Have you ever had your internet cut just as you’re almost to the best part of your favorite Netflix show? Instead of discovering who won the baking show, you have to watch a never-ending spinning circle. And so you just wait. Perhaps it’s your modem, might be your router, possibly it’s the internet company, or possibly it’ll just fix itself. It sort of stinks.
When technology malfunctions, it can be really frustrating. The same is certainly true of your hearing aids. When they’re working correctly, hearing aids can help you stay connected with the ones you love and better hear co-workers when they talk to you.
But your symptoms of hearing loss can suddenly become very frustrating when your hearing aids quit working. The technology you’re counting on has failed you. How do hearing aids just stop working? So what can you do? Here are the three prevalent ways your hearing aids can malfunction and how to diagnose and identify them.
Hearing aids can often have three common issues
Hearing aids are sophisticated devices. Even still, there are some common issues that individuals with hearing aids might experience. Here’s what might be causing those issues (and what you can do to correct them).
Feedback and whistling
So, perhaps you’re attempting to have a chat with your family or watch your favorite show and you begin to notice a horrific whistling sound. Or perhaps you detect a little bit of feedback. And so you think, “Why am I hearing whistling in my hearing aids? This is odd”.
Feedback and whistling can be caused by these possible issues:
- Earwax buildup in your ear canal can undermine the way your hearing aid works. This is a rather common one. That includes making your hearing aid whistle or feedback. If possible, you can attempt to clean some earwax out of your ear or consult with us about the best way to do that (don’t use a cotton swab).
- The tubing that connects the hearing aid with the earmold, on behind-the-ear models, can sometimes become compromised. Try to inspect this tubing as closely as possible and make sure nothing is loose and the tube does not appear damaged.
- You might not have your hearing aids correctly positioned in your ears. Try taking them out and putting them back in. You can also try reducing the volume (if this works, you might find some short-term relief, but it also likely means that the fit isn’t quite right and you should consult us about it).
Depending on the underlying cause of the feedback, we can help you deal with these problems if you can’t figure them out on your own.
No sound coming from your hearing aids
Your hearing aids should make, well, sound. That’s what they’re made to do! So if you find yourself thinking, “I can’t hear any sound in my hearing aid,” well, then something is certainly wrong. So what could cause hearing aids to drop all sound? Here are some things to watch for:
- Batteries: If you have rechargeable batteries, make certain that they’re fully charged. And even rechargeable batteries should be switched out once in a while.
- Power: Everyone forgets to turn their hearing aids on once in a while. Make certain that’s not the problem. Then you can eliminate that as possible issues.
- Earwax buildup: Yup, earwax strikes again. Have a close look to see if you find any earwax on the speakers or microphone. Keep your device really clean.
- Your settings: Cycle through the personalized settings if your device has them. It’s possible your hearing devices are not on the right custom program (so perhaps your hearing aids think you’re in a gymnasium instead of at the kitchen table). The sound you’re hearing may be off as a result.
We’re 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.
When you have your hearing aids in, you feel pain in your ears
What if your hearing aids are working fine, but whenever you put them in your ears, your ears begin hurting? And you’re probably wondering why your hearing aids would make your ears hurt. You’re not as likely to use your hearing aids every day if they hurt your ears. So, what could be causing it?
- Time: Getting used to your hearing aids will take some time. Each individual will have a different adjustment period. It’s worth talking about when you purchase your hearing aids so you have a reasonable idea of how long it may take you to become comfortable with your devices. Also, talk to us about any discomfort you might be experiencing.
- Fit: The fit of the device is the most evident problem. After all, the majority of hearing aids work best when the fit is nice and snug. 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 distinct 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.
Avoid issues with a little test drive
One of the best ways to prevent possible issues with hearing aids is to take them out for a bit of a test run before you commit. In the majority of cases we’ll let you test out a set of devices before you decide that’s the pair for you.
Selecting the right hearing aids, adjusting them to fit your requirements, and helping with any ongoing issues you may have, are all things we will help with. We will be your resource for any assistance you need.
And that’s a lot more than you will get from an over-the-counter hearing aid!
