Have you ever had your internet cut right as you’re getting to the best part of your favorite Netflix movie? Instead of finding out who won the baking show, you have to watch a never-ending 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 just come back on its own? It’s not a very good feeling.
When technology malfunctions, it can be really aggravating. Your hearing aids certainly fall into this category. The majority of the time, your hearing aids will give you the means to remain connected to loved ones, have discussions with co-workers, and keep up with your neighbors.
But when they stop working, your hearing loss symptoms can suddenly become a lot more frustrating. The technology you’re counting on has let you down. Why would your hearing aids just quit working? So how do you cope with that? Well, there are three common ways that hearing aids can fail, here’s how you can begin to recognize and troubleshoot those problems.
Hearing aids can often have three common issues
Even though hearing aids are complex technology, people may encounter three common problems with them. Let’s have a look at possible causes of these issues and potential fixes.
Whistling and feedback
Perhaps you suddenly begin to hear a terrible high-pitched whistling while you’re trying to have a conversation with a friend or family member. Or maybe you notice a bit of feedback. You start to think, “this is weird, what’s up with this whistling”?
Whistling and feedback can be caused by these possible problems:
- The tubing that connects the hearing aid with the earmold, on behind-the-ear models, can sometimes become compromised. Have a close look to see if the tube might have detached or may be damaged in some way.
- Earwax accumulation in your ear canal can compromise the way your hearing aid works. This is a fairly common one. Whistling and feedback are often one outcome of this kind of earwax buildup. You can try to clear 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 might not be sitting in your ears properly. Try taking them out and putting them back in. You can also try reducing the volume (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 talk to us about it).
Depending on the root cause of the feedback, we can help you deal with these problems if you can’t fix them on your own.
No sound coming from your hearing aids
Your hearing aids should make, well, sound. That’s what they’re created to do! Something has definitely gone wrong if you can’t hear any sound coming from your hearing aid. So what could cause hearing aids to lose all sound? Here are some things to look for:
- Power: Everybody forgets to turn their hearing aids on once in a while. Make certain that’s not the issue. Then you can eliminate that as possible issues.
- Your settings: If you have them, flip through your personalized settings. Your hearing aids may think you’re in a very large room when you’re actually in a small room because the setting isn’t right. The sound you’re hearing might be off as a consequence.
- Earwax buildup: Yup, earwax strikes again. Have a close look to see if you come across any earwax on the speakers or microphone. You want to be sure the device is good and clean.
- Batteries: Make sure your batteries are completely charged. And whether your batteries are rechargeable or not, it might be worth switching them out for new 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
Maybe your hearing aids are fine functionally but they hurt when they’re in your ears. 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, why do they ache?
- Time: Sometimes, it just takes some time to get used to your hearing aids. How long 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 might take you to get comfortable with your devices. If uncomfortable ears continue, speak with us about that too!
- Fit: The fit of the device is the most obvious issue. Naturally, when the fit is nice and tight, your hearing aids will work best. Which means that there can sometimes be pain involved in a poor fit. Many hearing aids can be customized to your specific ears. The better the fit, the fewer issues you’ll have with discomfort over the long haul. We will be able to help you get the best possible fit from your devices.
Take your new hearing aid out for a test ride
One of the best ways to prevent possible problems with hearing aids is to take them for a bit of a test run before you decide. In most cases we’ll let you test 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 problems you may 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!