Have you ever had your internet cut just as you’re getting to the best part of your favorite Netflix show? 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 simply come back on its own? It sort of stinks.
Technology can be tremendously aggravating when it doesn’t work properly. Your hearing aids definitely fall into this category. Most of the time, your hearing aids will provide you with the means to stay 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 abruptly become much more frustrating. You’ve been let down by the technology you count on. How do hearing aids just stop working? So how do you cope with that? Here are the three prevalent ways your hearing aids can malfunction and how to troubleshoot and identify them.
Hearing aids can often have three common issues
Hearing aids are sophisticated devices. Even still, there are some common issues that people with hearing aids might experience. Let’s take a look at possible causes of these problems and potential fixes.
Feedback and whistling
Perhaps you suddenly begin to hear an awful high-pitched whistling while you’re trying to have a chat with a friend or family member. Or perhaps you notice some feedback. You start to think, “this is weird, what’s up with this whistling”?
Here are three potential issues that could be causing this feedback and whistling:
- For those who wear behind-the-ear hearing aids, the tubing that connects your earmold with your hearing aid might have become compromised. Have a close look to see if the tube may have separated or might be compromised somehow.
- Earwax accumulation in your ear canal can undermine how your hearing aid functions. 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 consult with us about the best method to do that (don’t use a cotton swab).
- You may not have your hearing aids seated properly in your ears. Try removing them and putting them back in. If the fit isn’t right you may need to come see us so we can help you get a better fit.
Depending on the underlying cause of the feedback, we can help you deal with these issues if you can’t figure them out on your own.
No sound coming from your hearing aids
The main objective of hearing aids is to generate sound. That’s their main function! Something has certainly gone wrong if you can’t hear any sound coming out of your hearing aid. So what could be the explanation when hearing aids work but no sound comes through? Well, there are a couple of things:
- Your settings: Cycle through the custom settings if your device includes them. Your hearing aids might think you’re in a huge room when you’re actually in a small room because the setting isn’t right. This balance could throw off the sound you’re hearing.
- Earwax buildup: Here we go again with the earwax! Take a close look to see if you find any earwax on the microphone or speakers. You want to be sure the device is nice and clean.
- Batteries: Be sure your batteries are fully charged. And even rechargeable batteries should be swapped out from time to time.
- Power: Everybody forgets to turn their hearing aids on once in a while. Make certain that’s not the problem. This possible problem can then be eliminated..
If these steps don’t address your issues, we might have the solution. 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, your ears hurt
Maybe your hearing aids are fine functionally but they hurt when they’re in your ears. And you’re most likely wondering why your hearing aids would hurt your ears. This type of discomfort is not exactly conducive to wearing your hearing aids over the long term. So, what could be causing it?
- Time: Getting accustomed to your hearing aids will take a little while. How long will depend on the person. When you first get your hearing aids, we can help you get a reasonable concept of the adjustment period you can anticipate. If uncomfortable ears continue, speak with us about that as well!
- Fit: The most evident problem can be the fit. After all, most hearing aids work best when the fit is nice and snug. So when your hearing aids aren’t fitting quite right, there can be some pain. Some models of hearing aid can be fit to the specific shape of your ears. Over the long run, you will have fewer problems if you have a good fit. If you come in for a consultation, we can help you get the best fit for your device.
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 out for a bit of a test run before you decide. Most of the time we will have loaner pairs for you to try out before you make a decision.
Selecting the correct hearing aids, adjusting them to fit your requirements, and helping with any extended problems you might have, are all things we will assist with. We will be your resource for any help you need.
And that’s a lot more than you will get with an over-the-counter hearing aid!
