Have you ever had your internet cut right as you’re almost to the best part of your favorite Netflix show? Instead of discovering who won the baking show, you have to watch an endless spinning circle. And so you just wait. Is it your internet provider, modem, router, or maybe it will simply come back on its own? It’s not a great feeling.
When technology breaks down, it can be really aggravating. Your hearing aids certainly fall into this category. Most of the time, your hearing aids will give you the means to remain 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. You’ve been let down by the technology you count on. Why would your hearing aids just quit working? So what should you do? Well, there are three common ways that hearing aids can fail, here’s how you can begin to identify and troubleshoot those issues.
Hearing aids can often have three common issues
Even though hearing aids are sophisticated technology, individuals may experience three common problems with them. Here’s what could be causing those issues (and what you can do to fix 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 hear a dreadful whistling sound. Or perhaps you detect a bit of feedback. You start to think, “this is strange, what’s up with this whistling”?
Here are three possible issues that could be causing this whistling and feedback:
- Earwax buildup in your ear canal can undermine the way your hearing aid functions. This is a relatively common one. Whistling and feedback are frequently one outcome 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 (do not use a cotton swab).
- The tubing that attaches the hearing aid with the earmold, on behind-the-ear models, can occasionally become compromised. Try to examine this tubing as well as you can and make certain nothing is loose and the tube does not appear damaged.
- You might not have your hearing aids seated properly in your ears. Try to remove them and re-seat them. 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 is indeed not quite right and you should talk to us about it).
If these issues aren’t easily resolved, it’s worth speaking with us about adjusting the fit or sending your device in for servicing (depending on what we determine the underlying cause of that whistling or feedback may be).
No sound coming from your hearing aids
The main objective of hearing aids is to generate sound. That’s what they’re made to do! Something has definitely gone wrong if you don’t hear any sound coming from your hearing aid. So what could be the explanation when hearing aids work but no sound comes out? Well, there are a few things:
- Your settings: Cycle through the personalized settings if your device includes them. It’s feasible your hearing devices are not on the right 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 could be off as a consequence.
- Power: Everyone forgets to turn their hearing aids on once in a while. Check for this first. Then you can eliminate that as possible problems.
- 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 really clean.
- Batteries: If you have rechargeable batteries, make certain that they are fully charged. And even rechargeable batteries should be switched out once in a while.
We are here for you if these steps don’t clear up your issues. Whether repair, maintenance, or replacement is your next step, we will be able to help you figure that out.
Your ears hurt when you’re wearing your hearing aids
What if your hearing aids are working fine, but whenever you put them in your ears, your ears begin aching? And you’re most likely thinking: why do my ears hurt when I use my hearing aids? This sort of discomfort isn’t exactly conducive to wearing your hearing aids on a day-to-day basis. So, why do they ache?
- Time: Sometimes, it just takes some time to get accustomed 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 get comfortable with your devices. If uncomfortable ears continue, talk to us about that as well!
- 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. So when your hearing aids aren’t fitting quite right, there can be some discomfort. Many hearing aids can be tailored to your particular ears. The better the fit, the fewer issues you’ll have with discomfort over the long haul. 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 avoid possible issues with hearing aids is to take them out for a bit of a test drive before you commit. In most cases we’ll let you try out a set of devices before you determine that’s the pair for you.
Selecting the right hearing aids, adjusting them to fit your requirements, and helping with any extended issues you might have, are all things we will assist with. In other words, when your devices quit working, you’ll have a resource that can help!
And that’s a lot more than you will get with an over-the-counter hearing aid!
