Have you ever had your internet disappear right as you’re getting to the best part of your favorite Netflix show? You sit there and watch that spinning circle instead of learning about who won that cooking competition. All you can do is wait around for it to come back. Perhaps it’s your modem, might be your router, possibly it’s the internet company, or maybe it’ll just fix itself. It sort of stinks.
Technology can be enormously aggravating when it doesn’t work properly. The same is certainly true of your hearing aids. The majority of the time, your hearing aids will provide you with the means to stay connected to loved ones, have conversations with co-workers, and keep up with your neighbors.
But your symptoms of hearing loss can suddenly become very frustrating when your hearing aids stop working. The technology you’re counting on has failed you. Why would your hearing aids just quit working? So what should you do? Here are the three common ways your hearing aids can fail and how to troubleshoot and identify them.
Hearing aids can often have three common issues
Hearing aids are sophisticated devices. Even still, there are some common issues that people with hearing aids might encounter. Here’s what could be causing those issues (and what you can do to correct them).
Feedback and whistling
So, perhaps you’re trying to have a chat with your family or watch your favorite show and you begin to hear a dreadful whistling sound. Or maybe you notice some feedback. You begin to think, “this is strange, what’s up with this whistling”?
Here are three potential issues that could be causing this feedback and whistling:
- You might not have your hearing aids correctly positioned in your ears. Try to take them out and re-seat them. If the fit isn’t correct you may need to come see us so we can help you get a better fit.
- The tubing that connects the hearing aid with the earmold, on behind-the-ear models, can sometimes become compromised. Try to examine this tubing as well as possible and make sure nothing is loose and the tube doesn’t appear damaged.
- Earwax buildup in your ear canal can undermine the way your hearing aid works. You’ll notice this comes up pretty regularly. That includes making your hearing aid whistle or feedback. If possible, you can try clearing some earwax out of your ear or consult with us about the best way to do that (do not use a cotton swab).
Depending on the root cause of the feedback, we can help you deal with these issues if you can’t figure them out on your own.
No sound coming from your hearing aids
The main goal of hearing aids is to produce sound. That’s what they’re created to do! So if you find yourself thinking, “I can’t hear any sound in my hearing aid,” well, then something is definitely wrong. So what could cause hearing aids to lose all sound? Well, there are a couple of things:
- Power: Look, we’ve all forgotten to turn on the hearing aid before. Make sure that’s not the problem. This potential issue can then be eliminated..
- Batteries: If you have rechargeable batteries, make certain that they are fully charged. And even rechargeable batteries should be swapped out on occasion.
- Your settings: Scroll through the custom settings if your device includes them. It’s possible your hearing devices are on the wrong custom setting (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 consequence.
- Earwax buildup: Yup, earwax strikes again. Have a close look to see if you discover any earwax on the microphone or speakers. You want to be sure the device is nice and clean.
We are here for you if these steps don’t clear your issues up. We’ll be able to help you find out the next steps, and whether maintenance, repair, or replacement is required.
Painful ears when you’re wearing your hearing aids
Maybe your hearing aids are fine functionally but they hurt when you put them in. And you’re likely thinking: why do my ears hurt when I wear my hearing aids? You’re not as likely to wear your hearing aids on a daily basis if they hurt your ears. So, what could be causing it?
- Fit: The fit of the device is the most obvious problem. After all, the majority of hearing aids work best when they fit tightly. Which means that there can occasionally be pain involved in a poor fit. Some hearing aid models can be fit to the particular shape of your ears. The better the fit, the fewer issues you’ll have with pain over the long run. If you come in for a consultation, we can help you achieve the best fit for your device.
- Time: Usually, it just takes some time to get accustomed to your hearing aids. How long it takes will depend on the individual. It’s worth talking about when you purchase your hearing aids so you have a realistic concept of how long it may take you to become comfortable with your devices. Also, speak with us about any discomfort you may be having.
Take your new hearing aid out for a test ride
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. Most of the time we will have loaner pairs for you to try out before you make a decision.
Choosing the right hearing aids, adjusting them to fit your needs, and helping with any ongoing issues you may have, are all things we will assist 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!
