Have you ever had your internet cut right as you’re almost to the best part of your favorite Netflix movie? Instead of finding out who won the baking show, you have to watch an endless spinning circle. And so you just wait. Maybe it’s your modem, could be your router, possibly it’s the internet provider, or possibly it’ll just fix itself. It sort of stinks.
Technology can be tremendously aggravating when it doesn’t work correctly. The same is certainly true of your hearing aids. When they’re working properly, hearing aids can help you remain 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 really frustrating when your hearing aids quit working. You’ve been disappointed by the technology you depend on. Why would your hearing aids just stop functioning? 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
Even though hearing aids are complex technology, individuals might encounter three common issues with them. Here’s what could be causing those issues (and what you can do to correct them).
Feedback and whistling
So, perhaps you’re attempting to have a conversation with your family or watch your favorite show and you start to hear a horrific whistling noise. Or perhaps you notice some 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:
- Your hearing aids may not be seated in your ears properly. Try removing them and putting them back in. If the fit isn’t right you may need to come in so we can help you get a better fit.
- For individuals who use behind-the-ear hearing aids, the tubing that attaches your earmold with your hearing aid might have become compromised. Try to examine this tubing as closely as you can and make certain nothing is loose and the tube does not appear damaged.
- Earwax accumulation in your ear canal can undermine the way your hearing aid works. This is a rather common one. That includes causing your hearing aids to whistle or feedback. If possible, you can attempt to clean some earwax out of your ear or talk to us about the best way to do that (don’t use a cotton swab).
If these problems are not easily resolvable, it’s worth talking to us about adjusting the fit or sending your device in for servicing (depending on what we determine the root cause of that whistling or feedback might be).
No sound coming from your hearing aids
The main purpose of hearing aids is to produce sound. That’s what they’re created to do! So if you find yourself thinking, “I don’t hear any sound in my hearing aid,” well, then something is certainly wrong. So what could be the explanation when hearing aids work but no sound comes through? Here are a few things to watch for:
- Power: Everyone forgets to turn their hearing aids on once in a while. Check for this first. This potential issue can then be eliminated..
- Batteries: Make certain your batteries are completely charged. And whether your batteries are rechargeable or not, it might be worth switching them out for fresh ones.
- Your settings: Cycle through the personalized settings if your device includes them. Your hearing aids might think you’re in a very large space when you’re actually in a small room because the setting isn’t right. This incorrect setting could throw off the sound you’re hearing.
- Earwax buildup: Yup, earwax strikes again. Inspect your device for signs of earwax on the microphone or speakers or any sensitive bits. You want to be sure the device is nice and clean.
If these steps don’t correct your problems, we might have the answers. Whether repair, maintenance, or replacement is your next step, we will be able to help you figure that out.
Painful ears when you’re wearing your hearing aids
Perhaps your hearing aids are fine functionally but they hurt when they’re in your ears. And you’re probably thinking: why do my ears hurt when I wear my hearing aids? This kind of discomfort isn’t exactly conducive to wearing your hearing aids on a day-to-day basis. So, why do they ache?
- Fit: The most obvious problem can be the fit. Naturally, when the fit is nice and tight, your hearing aids will work best. Which means that there can occasionally be discomfort involved in a poor fit. Many hearing aids can be personalized to your particular ears. Over the long haul, you will have fewer issues if you have a snug fit. If you come in for a consultation, we can help you achieve the best fit for your device.
- Time: Sometimes, it just takes some time to get accustomed to your hearing aids. Each individual will have a different adjustment period. When you first get your new hearing aids, we can help you get a realistic idea of the adjustment period you can anticipate. 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 avoid possible problems with hearing aids is to take them 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.
In fact, we can help you determine the best kind of hearing aid for your needs, adjust the fit to match your ears, and help you handle any ongoing issues you might have with your devices. In other words, when your devices quit working, you’ll have a resource that can help!
And that’s most likely more dependable than your internet company.
