Have you ever had your internet cut just as you’re getting to the best part of your favorite Netflix show? Instead of discovering who won the baking show, you have to watch an endless spinning circle. All you can do is wait around for it to come back. Is it your internet provider, modem, router, or maybe it will simply come back on its own? It kind of stinks.
Technology can be tremendously aggravating when it doesn’t work correctly. The same is certainly true of your hearing aids. When they’re functioning properly, hearing aids can help you stay connected with the ones you love and better hear co-workers when they speak to you.
But your symptoms of hearing loss can suddenly become extremely frustrating when your hearing aids stop working. You’ve been let down by the technology you depend on. Why would your hearing aids just stop working? So what can you do? Well, there are three common ways that hearing aids can fail, here’s how you can begin to recognize and troubleshoot those issues.
Three common issues with hearing aids (and some possible solutions)
Even though hearing aids are sophisticated technology, individuals might experience three common problems with them. Let’s have a look at possible causes of these issues and potential fixes.
Whistling and feedback
So, perhaps you’re trying to have a conversation with your family or watch your favorite show and you start to hear a dreadful whistling noise. Or perhaps you detect a bit of feedback. And so you think, “Why do I hear whistling in my hearing aids? This is odd”.
Here are three possible problems that could be causing this feedback and whistling:
- The functionality of your hearing aid can be affected by earwax buildup in your ear canal. This is a fairly common one. That includes causing your hearing aids to whistle or feedback. You can attempt to clear some of the earwax out (never use a cotton swab) and if that fails, you can get some assistance from us.
- You might not have your hearing aids correctly positioned in your ears. Try to remove them and re-seat them. If the fit isn’t right you may need to come in so we can help you get a better fit.
- For those who wear behind-the-ear hearing aids, the tubing that attaches your earmold with your hearing aid may have become compromised. Try to examine this tubing as closely as you can and make certain nothing is loose and the tube does not appear damaged.
If these problems are not easily resolved, it’s worth speaking with us about correcting the fit or sending your device in for servicing (depending on what we think the underlying cause of that whistling or feedback might be).
Hearing aids not generating sound
The main goal of hearing aids is to produce sound. That’s what they’re created to do! Something has certainly gone wrong if you can’t hear any sound coming from your hearing aid. So what could be the explanation when hearing aids work but no sound comes out? Well, there are a few things:
- Batteries: If you have rechargeable batteries, make sure that they’re fully charged. And whether your batteries are rechargeable or not, it might be worth swapping them out for new ones.
- Your settings: If you have them, cycle through your personalized settings. Your hearing aids may think you’re in a very large room when you’re actually in a little room because the setting isn’t right. This balance could throw off the sound you’re hearing.
- Power: Look, we’ve all forgotten to turn on the hearing aid before. Check for this first. Then you can cross that of the list of potential issues.
- Earwax buildup: Yup, earwax strikes again. Have a close look to see if you find any earwax on the microphone or speakers. Keep your device really clean.
We are here for you if these measures don’t clear your issues up. Whether repair, maintenance, or replacement is your next step, we will be capable of helping you figure that out.
Painful ears while you’re wearing your hearing aids
Maybe your hearing aids are fine functionally but they hurt when you put them in. And you’re probably wondering why your hearing aids would hurt your ears. You’re not as likely to wear your hearing aids on a daily basis if they make your ears hurt. So, what could be causing it?
- Time: Getting accustomed to your hearing aids will take a little while. Each person will have a different adjustment period. It’s worth talking about when you buy your hearing aids so you have a realistic idea of how long it might take you to get comfortable with your devices. Also, talk to us about any discomfort you may be having.
- Fit: The fit of the device is the most evident problem. Needless to say, when the fit is nice and tight, your hearing aids will work best. So when your hearing aids aren’t fitting very well, there can be some discomfort. Some models of hearing aid can be fit to the particular shape of your ears. Over the long run, you will have fewer issues if you have a good fit. If you come see us, we can help you achieve the best fit for your device.
Take your new hearing aid out for a test ride
Before you decide on a pair of hearing aids, it’s a smart plan to test them for a while. Most of the time we will have loaner pairs for you to try out before you make a decision.
Selecting the right hearing aids, adjusting them to fit your needs, and helping with any extended issues you may have, are all things we will assist with. We will be your resource for any help you need.
And that’s probably more dependable than your internet company.
