Have you ever had your internet disappear just 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 an endless spinning circle. All you can do is wait around for it to come back. Perhaps it’s your modem, could be your router, possibly it’s the internet provider, or maybe it’ll just fix itself. It kind of stinks.
Technology can be tremendously aggravating when it doesn’t work properly. The same is certainly true of your hearing aids. When they’re working correctly, hearing aids can help you remain connected with the ones you love and better hear co-workers when they speak to you.
But your symptoms of hearing loss can suddenly become very frustrating when your hearing aids quit working. The technology you’re depending on has let you down. Why would your hearing aids just quit functioning? 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 identify and troubleshoot those issues.
Hearing aids can often have three common issues
Hearing aids are sophisticated devices. Even still, there are some common problems that people with hearing aids may experience. Let’s have a look at possible causes of these issues and potential fixes.
Whistling and feedback
Perhaps 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 notice a bit of feedback. And so you think, “Why do I hear whistling in my hearing aids? This is strange”.
Here are three possible problems that could be causing this whistling and feedback:
- For those who wear behind-the-ear hearing aids, the tubing that attaches your earmold with your hearing aid may have become compromised. Try to inspect this tubing as closely as you can and make sure nothing is loose and the tube does not appear damaged.
- The functionality of your hearing aid can be impacted by earwax buildup in your ear canal. This is a relatively 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 consult with us about the best way to do that (do not use a cotton swab).
- You might not have your hearing aids seated properly in your ears. Try taking them out and putting them back in. If the fit isn’t correct you may need to come see us so we can help you get a better fit.
If these problems aren’t easily resolvable, it’s worth consulting with us about correcting the fit or sending your device in for maintenance (depending on what we think the root cause of that whistling or feedback may be).
Hearing aids not producing sound
The main purpose 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 from your hearing aid. So what could cause hearing aids to drop all sound? Well, there are a couple of things:
- Your settings: Scroll through the personalized settings if your device has them. It’s possible your hearing devices are on the wrong custom program (so maybe your hearing aids think you’re in a gymnasium instead of around the kitchen table). This balance could throw off the sound you’re hearing.
- Batteries: Be sure your batteries are completely charged. And whether your batteries are rechargeable or not, it might be worth switching them out for new ones.
- Power: Everyone forgets to turn their hearing aids on once in a while. Check for this first. This potential problem can then be eliminated..
- Earwax buildup: Here we go again with the earwax! Examine your device for indications of earwax on the microphone or speakers or any sensitive parts. You want to make certain the device is good and clean.
We’re here for you if these steps don’t clear your issues up. 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 work perfectly, but every time you put them in your ears, your ears begin hurting? And you’re likely wondering why your hearing aids would make your ears hurt. You’re not as likely to wear your hearing aids every day if they make your ears hurt. So, why do they ache?
- Fit: The fit of the device is the most evident problem. After all, the majority of hearing aids work best when the fit is nice and snug. Which means that there can occasionally be pain involved in a poor fit. Some models of hearing aid can be fit to the particular shape of your ears. The better the fit, the fewer issues you’ll have with discomfort over the long haul. If you come see us, we can help you get the best fit for your device.
- Time: Getting accustomed to your hearing aids will take a little while. Each individual will have a different adjustment period. When you first get your hearing aids, we can help you get a realistic concept of the adjustment period you can expect. If uncomfortable ears persist, talk to us about that too!
Bypass issues with a little test drive
Before you commit to a set of hearing aids, it’s a good idea to try them out for a while. In the majority of cases we’ll let you try out a set of devices before you decide that’s the pair for you.
Selecting the correct hearing aids, adjusting them to fit your needs, and helping with any ongoing issues you might have, are all things we will help with. 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.