Have you ever had your internet cut right as you’re almost to the best part of your favorite Netflix show? You sit and watch that spinning circle instead of finding out 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 provider, or possibly it’ll just fix itself. It’s not a very good feeling.
Technology can be tremendously aggravating when it doesn’t work correctly. Your hearing aids definitely fall into this category. When they’re functioning properly, hearing aids can help you remain connected with the ones you love and better hear co-workers when they talk to you.
But when they quit working, your hearing loss symptoms can suddenly become much more frustrating. The technology you’re counting on has let you down. Why would your hearing aids just quit working? So how do you deal with that? Well, there are three prevalent ways that hearing aids can fail, here’s how you can start to recognize and troubleshoot those problems.
Hearing aids can often have three common issues
Even though hearing aids are sophisticated technology, individuals might experience three common issues with them. Let’s have a look at possible causes of these issues and potential fixes.
Feedback and whistling
Maybe you suddenly begin to hear a terrible high-pitched whistling while you’re attempting to have a chat with a friend or family member. Or perhaps you notice a little bit of feedback. And so you think, “Why do I hear whistling in my hearing aids? This is strange”.
Feedback and whistling can be caused by these possible issues:
- The tubing that connects the hearing aid with the earmold, on behind-the-ear models, can occasionally become compromised. Try to inspect this tubing as well as you can and make certain nothing is loose and the tube doesn’t appear damaged.
- Earwax accumulation in your ear canal can undermine the way your hearing aid functions. This is a relatively common one. That includes causing your hearing aids to whistle or feedback. You can try to clear some of the earwax out (never use a cotton swab) and if that fails, you can get some help from us.
- You might not have your hearing aids seated properly in your ears. Try to remove them and re-seat them. 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 speak with us about it).
Depending on the root cause of the feedback, we can help you resolve these issues if you can’t figure them out on your own.
Hearing aids not generating sound
The main objective of hearing aids is to generate sound. That’s what they’re made to do! Something has certainly gone wrong if you don’t hear any sound coming out of your hearing aid. So what could cause hearing aids to lose all sound? Well, there are a couple of things:
- Power: Everyone forgets to turn their hearing aids on once in a while. Check for this first. Then you can cross that of the list of possible issues.
- Earwax buildup: Yup, earwax strikes again. Inspect your device for indications of earwax on the microphone or speakers or any sensitive parts. You want to be sure the device is nice and clean.
- Your settings: If you have them, flip through your custom settings. Your hearing aids may think you’re in a very large room when you’re actually in a small room because the setting is wrong. This incorrect setting could throw off the sound you’re hearing.
- Batteries: If you have rechargeable batteries, make certain that they’re completely charged. And whether your batteries are rechargeable or not, it might be worth swapping them out for fresh ones.
We are here for you if these measures don’t clear up your issues. 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 start hurting? And you’re most likely thinking: why do my ears hurt when I use my hearing aids? This type of discomfort isn’t exactly conducive to using your hearing aids over the long term. So, what could be causing it?
- Time: Usually, it just takes some time to get used to your hearing aids. How long it takes will depend on the individual. When you first get your new hearing aids, we can help you get a reasonable concept of the adjustment period you can anticipate. Also, talk to us about any discomfort you may be having.
- Fit: The fit of the device is the most obvious problem. After all, most hearing aids work best when the fit is nice and snug. Which means that there can sometimes be discomfort involved in a poor fit. Some models of hearing aid can be fit to the distinct shape of your ears. The better the fit, the fewer issues you’ll have with pain over the long run. We will be able to help you achieve the best possible fit from your devices.
Avoid problems with a little test drive
One of the best ways to prevent possible problems with hearing aids is to take them out for a bit of a test run before you commit. In most instances we’ll let you try out a pair of devices before you decide that’s the set for you.
Choosing the correct hearing aids, adjusting them to fit your requirements, and helping with any extended issues you might have, are all things we will help with. 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!