Have you ever been watching your favorite Netflix show when your internet suddenly disappears? You sit and watch that spinning circle instead of finding out who won that cooking competition. And so you just wait. Is it your internet provider, modem, router, or maybe it will just come back on its own? It’s not a very good feeling.
Technology can be enormously aggravating when it doesn’t work properly. Your hearing aids definitely fall into this category. When they’re working properly, hearing aids can help you stay connected with the ones you love and better hear co-workers when they talk to you.
But when they stop working, your hearing loss symptoms can suddenly become much more frustrating. The technology you’re depending on has failed you. Why would your hearing aids just stop working? So what can 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 sophisticated technology, people might experience three common issues with them. Let’s take a look at possible causes of these issues and potential fixes.
Feedback and whistling
Maybe you suddenly start to hear a terrible high-pitched whistling while you’re trying to have a conversation with a friend or relative. Or maybe you detect a bit of feedback. You start to think, “this is weird, what’s up with this whistling”?
Here are three potential problems that could be causing this whistling and feedback:
- The functionality of your hearing aid can be affected by earwax accumulation in your ear canal. 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 talk to us about the best method to do that (do not use a cotton swab).
- For individuals who use behind-the-ear hearing aids, the tubing that attaches your earmold with your hearing aid may have become compromised. Have a close look to see if the tube may have separated or might be compromised in some way.
- You may not have your hearing aids correctly positioned in your ears. Try to remove them and re-seat them. You can also try turning the volume down (if this works, you may find some short-term relief, but it also likely means that the fit is indeed not quite right and you should talk to us about it).
If these problems aren’t easily resolvable, it’s worth consulting with us about adjusting the fit or sending your device in for maintenance (depending on what we think the underlying cause of that whistling or feedback might be).
Hearing aids not producing sound
Your hearing aids are supposed to make, well, sound. That’s what they’re created to do! So if you find yourself thinking, “I don’t hear any sound coming from my hearing aid,” well, then something is definitely not right. So what could be the cause when hearing aids work but no sound comes through? Here are a few things to look for:
- Earwax buildup: Here we go again with the earwax! Examine your device for indications of earwax on the microphone or speakers or any sensitive bits. You want to make certain the device is good and clean.
- Power: Look, we’ve all disregarded turning the hearing aids on before. Be sure that’s not the issue. This possible problem can then be eliminated..
- Batteries: If you have rechargeable batteries, be sure that they’re completely charged. And even rechargeable batteries should be swapped out on occasion.
- Your settings: If you have them, flip through your custom settings. It’s possible your hearing devices are on the wrong custom setting (so maybe your hearing aids think you’re in a concert hall instead of around the kitchen table). The sound you’re hearing may be off as a consequence.
We are here for you if these steps don’t clear up your issues. Whether repair, maintenance, or replacement is your next step, we will be able to help you figure that out.
When you have your hearing aids in, your ears hurt
Perhaps your hearing aids are fine functionally but they hurt when they’re in your ears. And you’re likely 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 hurt?
- Fit: The most evident problem can be the fit. After all, most hearing aids work best when the fit is nice and snug. Which means that there can sometimes be pain involved in a poor fit. Many hearing aids can be personalized to your specific ears. The better the fit, the fewer problems you’ll have with pain over the long run. We will be able to help you achieve the best possible fit from your devices.
- Time: Getting accustomed to your hearing aids will take some time. 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 become comfortable with your devices. Also, speak with us about any discomfort you may be having.
Bypass problems with a little test drive
Before you decide on a pair of hearing aids, it’s a smart plan to try them out for a while. In the majority of cases we’ll let you test out a set of devices before you determine that’s the set for you.
In fact, we can help you identify the best type of hearing aid for your requirements, adjust the fit to match your ears, and help you manage any extended issues you might have with your devices. In other words, when your devices stop working, you’ll have a resource that can help!
And that’s a lot more than you will get from an over-the-counter hearing aid!