Hearing aids that once sounded balanced can drift out of step, leaving one side softer, sharper, or fuzzier than the other. Because hearing aids are designed to amplify sound in a way that feels natural, a difference like this should be examined.
At Lexington Hearing and Speech Center in East Elmhurst, senior audiologist Joanne Tzortzatos, Au.D., and educational audiologist Luciana Parisi-Sankovich can evaluate your hearing and devices to determine whether the difference comes from maintenance needs, programming, fit, or a change in your ears. Most patients can start troubleshooting at home, then seek professional care if the difference persists.
Can Your Hearing Aids Sound Different and Both Still Work?
Your hearing aids can sound different and both still work, because each ear may have its own degree or pattern of hearing loss and need its own amount of amplification. Ear canal shape and earpiece fit also affect the sound that reaches your eardrum.
The goal is comfortable, useful hearing across both ears. Matching the volume numbers or programming exactly may not achieve that goal. One ear may need more help with higher-pitched speech sounds, so the settings on that hearing aid may need to be different from the other.
However, a new or worsening imbalance deserves attention. Earwax, a blocked filter, moisture, or a damaged component may reduce output on one side. Hearing changes can also make settings that were previously appropriate feel uneven.
Which Changes in One Hearing Aid Should You Pay Attention To?
The changes in one hearing aid worth paying attention to include a softer or louder side, muffled or tinny speech, a hollow-sounding voice, whistling, and sound that cuts out. Describing the difference clearly helps narrow down the possible cause. Notice whether it affects speech, your own voice, background noise, or streamed audio. Common experiences include:
- One side seems louder or softer during conversation.
- Speech sounds muffled, sharp, tinny, or distorted in one ear.
- Your own voice sounds hollow or unusually loud on one side.
- One device whistles, hisses, or crackles intermittently.
- Sound cuts out in one hearing aid.
- Phone calls or music sound uneven while everyday conversation sounds balanced.
Whistling may result from a poor fit, wax, or a device problem. A plugged-up sensation with your own voice may relate to how the earpiece seals the ear canal. Hissing may reflect amplified environmental sound or noise generated within the device.
These descriptions are clues, not diagnoses. A louder hearing aid doesn’t necessarily mean clearer speech, and two devices can sound different even when both work. Note when the problem began and which situations make it most noticeable.
How Do You Track Down an Uneven Hearing Aid Problem Step by Step?
You can track down an uneven hearing aid problem by checking one possible cause at a time, starting with power, program, volume, battery or charge, fit, and the wax filter. Work in a quiet room and wait to make further changes until you’ve ruled out each cause. Follow the instructions for your model:
- Confirm each hearing aid is on and has not been muted.
- Check the selected listening program and any separate volume controls.
- Recharge the affected device or replace its disposable battery if needed.
- Confirm each aid is in the correct ear and seated comfortably.
- Inspect the earpiece and wax filter for visible blockage.
- Clean accessible surfaces and replace approved parts as instructed.
Some controls change both aids together, while others adjust each side independently. Return to your prescribed starting settings if you accidentally changed them.
If the issue occurs only during streaming, compare it with normal conversation and follow your manufacturer’s connection troubleshooting. That distinction can help identify a wireless problem.
Avoid swapping hearing aids between ears as a home test. Settings and earpieces may differ by side. Don’t insert sharp objects into sound openings, force parts apart, or repeatedly increase volume to overcome muffled sound. Schedule an appointment with Joanne Tzortzatos or Luciana Parisi-Sankovich if basic checks don’t resolve the difference.
What Will Our East Elmhurst Audiologists Check on Each Side?
Our East Elmhurst audiologists check your hearing aids and your ears separately, one side at a time, to determine why one sounds different. The visit typically begins with questions about the sound difference, when it occurs, recent maintenance, and whether symptoms persist without the devices. Bring both hearing aids and describe any situations that consistently trigger the problem.
An ear examination can identify wax or other concerns that may interfere with hearing. Updated hearing tests can compare each ear’s sensitivity and speech understanding with previous results. Middle ear testing, such as tympanometry, or referral to an ENT may be appropriate when findings suggest a medical issue.
Device checks may include inspecting microphones, speakers, filters, tubing, and earpieces. Testing in a hearing aid test box can measure output and identify performance problems.
Which Routine Keeps Hearing Aid Sound Quality Reliable?
A routine of daily cleaning, individual filter checks, and regular follow-up visits keeps hearing aid sound quality reliable, even when each device uses different settings. Wipe them daily with a soft, dry cloth and inspect each earpiece for buildup. Check filters individually; one may collect wax faster than the other.
Attend follow-up appointments and report recurring changes in sound or fit. Brief notes on when problems occur help us focus adjustments. The aim is dependable performance tailored to your hearing needs.
Book an Uneven Sound Evaluation in Queens
If your hearing aids sound uneven, schedule an evaluation with Joanne Tzortzatos or Luciana Parisi-Sankovich. Bring both hearing aids, your charger (if charging is a concern), and notes on when the difference occurs. We can determine whether the next step is maintenance, adjustments, repair, or further hearing assessment, and our center repairs hearing aids no matter where you bought them.
Call or text 718-808-9362 or contact Lexington Hearing and Speech Center to schedule an appointment at our East Elmhurst office.