Have you ever been watching your favorite Netflix movie when your internet suddenly disappears? You sit and watch that spinning circle instead of finding out who won that cooking competition. And so you just wait. 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 frustrating when it doesn’t work correctly. Your hearing aids definitely fall into this category. The majority of the time, your hearing aids will provide you with the means to remain connected to loved ones, have conversations with co-workers, and keep up with your neighbors.
But when they quit working, your hearing loss symptoms can abruptly become a lot more frustrating. The technology you’re counting on has let you down. Why would your hearing aids just stop working? So what can you do? Well, there are three prevalent ways that hearing aids can fail, here’s how you can begin to identify and troubleshoot those issues.
Three common issues with hearing aids (and some possible solutions)
Even though hearing aids are complex technology, individuals may experience three common issues with them. Here’s what might be causing those issues (and what you can do to fix them).
Whistling and feedback
So, maybe you’re trying to have a chat with your family or watch your favorite show and you begin to hear a horrific whistling noise. Or maybe you hear some feedback. You start to think, “this is strange, what’s up with this whistling”?
Feedback and whistling can be caused by these possible issues:
- Earwax accumulation in your ear canal can undermine the way your hearing aid works. This is a fairly common one. That includes causing your hearing aids to whistle or feedback. You can try to clean some of the earwax out (never use a cotton swab) and if that doesn’t work out, you can get some assistance from us.
- Your hearing aids may not be seated in your ears properly. Try to take them out and re-seat them. You can also try turning the volume down (if this works, you may find some temporary relief, but it also likely means that the fit is indeed not quite right and you should consult us about it).
- The tubing that attaches the hearing aid with the earmold, on behind-the-ear models, can sometimes become compromised. Try to examine this tubing as well as you can and make certain nothing is loose and the tube doesn’t appear damaged.
If these problems are not easily resolved, it’s worth talking to us about correcting the fit or sending your device in for maintenance (depending on what we determine the underlying cause of that whistling or feedback might be).
No sound coming from your hearing aids
Your hearing aids are supposed to make, well, sound. That’s what they’re made to do! So if you find yourself thinking, “I don’t hear any sound in my hearing aid,” well, then something is definitely wrong. So what could be the cause when hearing aids work but no sound comes through? Well, there are a few things:
- Earwax buildup: Yup, earwax strikes again. Have a close look to see if you come across any earwax on the microphone or speakers. Keep your device really clean.
- Your settings: If you have them, cycle through your custom settings. It’s possible your hearing devices are not on the right custom program (so maybe your hearing aids think you’re in a gymnasium instead of around the kitchen table). The sound you’re hearing might be off as a consequence.
- Power: Everybody forgets to turn their hearing aids on once in a while. Check for this first. Then you can eliminate that as possible issues.
- Batteries: If you have rechargeable batteries, make certain that they are fully charged. And whether your batteries are rechargeable or not, it may be worth switching them out for new ones.
We’re here for you if these steps don’t clear up your issues. We’ll be able to help you find out the next steps, and whether maintenance, repair, or replacement is required.
When you have your hearing aids in, your ears hurt
What if your hearing aids are working fine, but whenever you put them in your ears, your ears begin to hurt? And you’re probably thinking: why do my ears hurt when I wear my hearing aids? This type of discomfort is not exactly conducive to using your hearing aids over the long term. So, what could be causing it?
- Fit: The most evident problem can be the fit. Naturally, 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 pain. Some models of hearing aid can be fit to the particular shape of your ears. Over the long run, you will have fewer problems if you have a snug fit. We will be able to help you achieve the best possible fit from your devices.
- Time: Getting used to your hearing aids will take some time. How long it takes will depend on the person. It’s worth talking about when you buy your hearing aids so you have a realistic concept of how long it may take you to become comfortable with your devices. If uncomfortable ears remain, speak with us about that too!
Take your new hearing aid out for a test ride
Before you decide on a set of hearing aids, it’s a good 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.
In fact, we can help you ascertain the best kind of hearing aid for your needs, adjust the fit to match your ears, and help you manage any extended problems you might have with your devices. We will be your resource for any help you need.
And that’s a lot more than you will get from an over-the-counter hearing aid!