Have you ever had your internet disappear just as you’re getting to the best part of your favorite Netflix show? You sit there and watch that spinning circle instead of learning about who won that cooking competition. 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 sort of stinks.
When technology malfunctions, it can be very frustrating. Your hearing aids certainly fall into this category. When they’re functioning correctly, hearing aids can help you remain 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 abruptly become much more frustrating. You’ve been disappointed by the technology you count on. Why would your hearing aids just stop functioning? So how do you cope with that? Well, there are three prevalent ways that hearing aids can malfunction, here’s how you can start to recognize and troubleshoot those issues.
Hearing aids can often have three common issues
Even though hearing aids are complex technology, people might encounter three common problems with them. Let’s have a look at possible causes of these problems and potential fixes.
Whistling and feedback
So, maybe you’re trying to have a conversation with your family or watch your favorite show and you start to notice a dreadful whistling noise. Or maybe you detect a bit of feedback. You begin to think, “this is strange, what’s up with this whistling”?
Here are three potential issues that could be causing this whistling and feedback:
- The functionality of your hearing aid can be impacted by earwax buildup in your ear canal. This is a relatively common one. That includes causing your hearing aids to whistle or feedback. You can attempt to clean some of the earwax out (never use a cotton swab) and if that doesn’t work out, you can get some assistance from us.
- For individuals who wear behind-the-ear hearing aids, the tubing that attaches your earmold with your hearing aid may have become compromised. Take a close look to identify whether the tube may have detached or might be damaged in some way.
- 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 right you may need to come in so we can help you get a better fit.
If these problems aren’t easily resolvable, it’s worth talking to us about adjusting the fit or sending your device in for maintenance (depending on what we think the root cause of that whistling or feedback may be).
No sound coming from your hearing aids
Your hearing aids are supposed to make, well, sound. That’s their principal function! So if you find yourself thinking, “I can’t hear any sound in my hearing aid,” well, then something is definitely not right. So what could cause hearing aids to lose all sound? Well, there are a few things:
- 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. Keep your device very clean.
- Your settings: If you have them, cycle through your personalized settings. It’s feasible your hearing devices are on the wrong custom setting (so perhaps your hearing aids think you’re in a gymnasium instead of around the kitchen table). This incorrect setting could throw off the sound you’re hearing.
- Power: Look, we’ve all disregarded turning on the hearing aid before. Make certain that’s not the problem. 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 from time to time.
We’re here for you if these measures don’t clear your issues up. We’ll be able to help you identify the next steps, and whether maintenance, repair, or replacement is needed.
Painful ears while you’re wearing your hearing aids
Maybe your hearing aids are fine functionally but they hurt when they’re in your ears. And you’re likely thinking: why do my ears hurt when I use my hearing aids? This kind of discomfort isn’t exactly conducive to using your hearing aids on a day-to-day basis. So, why do they hurt?
- Time: Getting accustomed to your hearing aids will take some time. Each individual will have a different adjustment period. When you first get your new hearing aids, we can help you get a realistic concept of the adjustment period you can expect. Also, speak with us about any discomfort you may be having.
- Fit: The fit of the device is the most evident problem. After all, most hearing aids work best when the fit is nice and snug. Which means that there can occasionally be discomfort involved in a poor fit. Many hearing aids can be personalized to your particular ears. Over the long haul, you will have fewer issues if you have a tight fit. If you come see us, 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 avoid possible problems with hearing aids is to take them for a bit of a test run before you decide. In the majority of instances 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 identify the best type of hearing aid for your needs, adjust the fit to match your ears, and help you take care of any extended problems you might have with your devices. 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!