Have you ever been watching your favorite Netflix show when your internet abruptly cuts out? 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. Maybe it’s your modem, might be your router, possibly it’s the internet provider, or possibly it’ll just fix itself. It kind of stinks.
When technology breaks down, it can be very frustrating. Your hearing aids certainly fall into this category. The majority of the time, your hearing aids will provide you with the means to stay connected to loved ones, have conversations with co-workers, and keep up with your neighbors.
But your symptoms of hearing loss can suddenly become extremely frustrating when your hearing aids stop working. The technology you’re counting on has let you down. How do hearing aids just stop working? So how do you cope with that? Well, there are three prevalent ways that hearing aids can fail, here’s how you can start to identify and troubleshoot those issues.
Three common issues with hearing aids (and some possible solutions)
Even though hearing aids are sophisticated technology, individuals may experience three common issues with them. Here’s what could be causing those issues (and what you can do to correct them).
Whistling and feedback
So, perhaps you’re trying to have a chat with your family or watch your favorite television show and you begin to hear a dreadful whistling sound. Or maybe you detect a little bit of feedback. You begin to think, “this is strange, what’s up with this whistling”?
Feedback and whistling can be caused by these possible issues:
- The tubing that attaches the hearing aid with the earmold, on behind-the-ear models, can sometimes become compromised. Try to inspect this tubing as closely as you can and make sure nothing is loose and the tube does not appear damaged.
- Earwax accumulation in your ear canal can compromise how your hearing aid functions. You’ll find this comes up fairly often. Whistling and feedback are often one result of this type of earwax buildup. 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).
- You might not have your hearing aids seated properly in your ears. Try to remove them and re-seat them. If the fit isn’t correct you might 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
Your hearing aids should make, well, sound. That’s their principal function! Something has definitely gone wrong if you don’t hear any sound coming from your hearing aid. So what could cause hearing aids to drop all sound? Here are some things to look for:
- Power: Look, we’ve all disregarded turning the hearing aids on before. Check for this first. Then you can cross that of the list of possible problems.
- Your settings: Scroll through the custom settings if your device has them. It’s possible your hearing devices are not on the right custom program (so maybe 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.
- Earwax buildup: Here we go again with the earwax! Have a close look to see if you come across any earwax on the microphone or speakers. You want to make certain the device is nice and clean.
- Batteries: If you have rechargeable batteries, make certain that they are completely charged. And even rechargeable batteries should be switched out on occasion.
We’re here for you if these steps don’t clear up your issues. We’ll be able to help you find out the next steps, and whether maintenance, repair, or replacement is required.
Your ears hurt when you’re wearing your hearing aids
What if your hearing aids work perfectly, but whenever you put them in your ears, your ears start to hurt? And you’re likely thinking: why do my ears hurt when I wear my hearing aids? 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 most obvious issue can be the fit. Naturally, when the fit is nice and snug, your hearing aids will work best. So when your hearing aids aren’t fitting very well, there can be some pain. Many hearing aids can be customized to your particular ears. The better the fit, the fewer issues you’ll have with discomfort over the long haul. We will be able to help you achieve the best possible fit from your devices.
- Time: Usually, it just takes a little while to get used to your hearing aids. Each individual will have a different adjustment period. It’s worth talking about when you purchase your hearing aids so you have a reasonable concept of how long it might take you to become comfortable with your devices. If uncomfortable ears continue, talk to us about that as well!
Avoid problems with a little test drive
Before you commit to a set of hearing aids, it’s a good idea to test them for a while. In most instances we’ll let you test out a pair of devices before you determine that’s the pair for you.
As a matter of fact, we can help you ascertain the best kind of hearing aid for your requirements, adjust the fit to match your ears, and help you manage any ongoing issues you might have with your devices. We will be your resource for any assistance you need.
And that’s a lot more than you will get with an over-the-counter hearing aid!