Have you ever had your internet disappear just as you’re almost to the best part of your favorite Netflix movie? Instead of finding out who won the baking show, you have to watch a never-ending spinning circle. 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 aggravating. The same is definitely true of your hearing aids. When they’re working correctly, hearing aids can help you stay connected with the ones you love and better hear co-workers when they talk to you.
But when they quit working, your hearing loss symptoms can abruptly become much more frustrating. The technology you’re depending on has failed you. How do hearing aids just stop working? So how do you deal with that? Well, there are three prevalent ways that hearing aids can malfunction, here’s how you can start to identify and troubleshoot those problems.
Hearing aids can often have three common issues
Even though hearing aids are complex technology, people may encounter three common problems with them. Here’s what might be causing those issues (and what you can do to correct them).
Whistling and feedback
So, maybe you’re trying to have a chat with your family or watch your favorite show and you begin to notice a horrific whistling sound. Or maybe you hear some feedback. You begin to think, “this is weird, what’s up with this whistling”?
Here are three possible problems that could be causing this whistling and feedback:
- The tubing that attaches the hearing aid with the earmold, on behind-the-ear models, can sometimes become compromised. Take a close look to see if the tube may have detached or might be damaged somehow.
- You may not have your hearing aids seated properly in your ears. Try taking them out and putting them back in. You can also try turning the volume down (if this works, you might find some short-term relief, but it also likely means that the fit isn’t quite right and you should speak with us about it).
- Earwax accumulation in your ear canal can undermine how your hearing aid works. 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 talk to us about the best way to do that (don’t use a cotton swab).
If these issues aren’t easily resolved, it’s worth consulting with us about adjusting the fit or sending your device in for servicing (depending on what we think the underlying cause of that whistling or feedback may be).
No sound coming from your hearing aids
The main purpose of hearing aids is to produce sound. That’s what they’re created to do! So if you find yourself thinking, “I can’t hear any sound in my hearing aid,” well, then something is certainly not right. So what could cause hearing aids to drop all sound? Well, there are a couple of things:
- Your settings: Cycle through the personalized settings if your device includes them. Your hearing aids might think you’re in a very large room when you’re actually in a little room because the setting is wrong. The sound you’re hearing may be off as a result.
- Power: Everybody forgets to turn their hearing aids on once in a while. Be sure that isn’t the problem. This potential issue can then be eliminated..
- 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 make certain the device is good and clean.
- Batteries: If you have rechargeable batteries, be sure that they are completely charged. And whether your batteries are rechargeable or not, it might be worth switching them out for fresh ones.
We’re here for you if these steps don’t clear your issues up. We’ll be able to help you find out the next steps, and whether maintenance, repair, or replacement is required.
When you have your hearing aids in, you feel pain in your ears
Perhaps 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. You’re not as likely to wear your hearing aids every day if they make your ears hurt. So, why do they hurt?
- Fit: The fit of the device is the most obvious problem. Needless to say, when the fit is nice and tight, your hearing aids will work best. Which means that there can sometimes be discomfort involved in a poor fit. Some hearing aid models can be fit to the particular shape of your ears. The better the fit, the fewer problems 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 used to your hearing aids will take some time. How long it takes will depend on the individual. It’s worth talking about when you buy your hearing aids so you have a reasonable idea of how long it may take you to get comfortable with your devices. Also, speak with us about any discomfort you might be experiencing.
Avoid problems with a little test drive
Before you decide on a set of hearing aids, it’s a good idea to test them 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 determine the best type of hearing aid for your requirements, adjust the fit to match your ears, and help you take care of any extended issues you might have with your devices. We will be your resource for any help you need.
And that’s most likely more reliable than your internet company.
