Have you ever had your internet disappear just as you’re getting to the best part of your favorite Netflix movie? You sit there and watch that spinning circle instead of finding out who won that cooking competition. All you can do is wait around for it to come back. Is it your internet provider, modem, router, or maybe it will just come back on its own? It’s not a very good feeling.
When technology breaks down, it can be really frustrating. The same is certainly true of your hearing aids. When they’re functioning correctly, hearing aids can help you stay connected with the ones you love and better hear co-workers when they speak to you.
But when they quit working, your hearing loss symptoms can suddenly become a lot more frustrating. The technology you’re depending on has failed you. How do hearing aids just stop working? So how do you cope with that? Well, there are three common ways that hearing aids can malfunction, here’s how you can start to recognize and troubleshoot those problems.
Hearing aids can often have three common issues
Hearing aids are complex devices. Even still, there are some common issues that individuals with hearing aids may encounter. Let’s take a look at possible causes of these problems and potential fixes.
Whistling and feedback
Maybe you suddenly begin to hear a terrible high-pitched whistling while you’re attempting to have a chat with a friend or family member. Or perhaps you hear some feedback. You start to think, “this is weird, what’s up with this whistling”?
Whistling and feedback can be caused by these possible issues:
- Your hearing aids may not be sitting in your ears properly. Try to remove them and re-seat them. You can also try reducing the volume (if this works, you may find some temporary relief, but it also likely means that the fit isn’t quite right and you should talk to us about it).
- Earwax accumulation in your ear canal can undermine the way your hearing aid functions. This is a rather common one. That includes making your hearing aid whistle or feedback. If possible, you can try clearing some earwax out of your ear or consult with us about the best method to do that (don’t use a cotton swab).
- The tubing that connects the hearing aid with the earmold, on behind-the-ear models, can sometimes become compromised. Have a close look to identify whether the tube may have separated or might be compromised in some way.
If these problems are not easily resolvable, it’s worth talking to us about correcting 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 made to do! 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 out? Well, there are a couple of things:
- Batteries: If you have rechargeable batteries, be sure that they are fully charged. And whether your batteries are rechargeable or not, it might be worth switching them out for fresh ones.
- Power: Everyone forgets to turn their hearing aids on once in a while. Check for this first. This possible issue can then be eliminated..
- Your settings: If you have them, flip through your custom settings. It’s possible your hearing devices are on the wrong custom program (so maybe your hearing aids think you’re in a concert hall instead of at the kitchen table). The sound you’re hearing might be off as a result.
- Earwax buildup: Yup, earwax strikes again. Inspect your device for signs of earwax on the microphone or speakers or any sensitive bits. Keep your device very clean.
We’re here for you if these measures don’t clear your issues up. We’ll be able to help you determine the next steps, and whether maintenance, repair, or replacement is needed.
Your ears hurt while you’re wearing your hearing aids
Perhaps your hearing aids are fine functionally but they hurt when you put them in. And you’re likely thinking: why do my ears hurt when I use my hearing aids? You’re not as likely to use your hearing aids every day if they hurt your ears. So, what could be causing it?
- Time: Sometimes, it just takes some time to get used to your hearing aids. How long will depend on the person. When you first get your hearing aids, we can help you get a realistic concept of the adjustment period you can expect. Also, talk to us about any discomfort you might be having.
- Fit: The fit of the device is the most obvious problem. Naturally, when the fit is nice and snug, your hearing aids will work best. Which means that there can sometimes be pain involved in a poor fit. Some hearing aid models can be fit to the distinct shape of your ears. The better the fit, the fewer issues you’ll have with pain over the long run. We will be able to help you get the best possible fit from your devices.
Bypass issues with a little test drive
Before you commit to a pair of hearing aids, it’s a good idea to try them out for a while. In most cases we’ll let you try out a pair of devices before you determine that’s the set for you.
In fact, we can help you ascertain the best type of hearing aid for your needs, adjust the fit to match your ears, and help you handle any ongoing problems you may 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!
