Have you ever been watching your favorite Netflix movie when your internet suddenly cuts out? You sit and watch that spinning circle instead of finding out who won that cooking competition. And so you just wait. Is it your internet provider, modem, router, or perhaps it will just come back on its own? It kind of stinks.
Technology can be enormously aggravating when it doesn’t work correctly. Your hearing aids definitely fall into this category. When they’re working correctly, hearing aids can help you remain connected with the ones you love and better hear co-workers when they speak to you.
But your symptoms of hearing loss can suddenly become extremely frustrating when your hearing aids quit working. You’ve been disappointed by the technology you depend on. How do hearing aids just stop working? So what can you do? Well, there are three common ways that hearing aids can malfunction, here’s how you can start to recognize and troubleshoot those problems.
Three common issues with hearing aids (and some possible solutions)
Even though hearing aids are sophisticated technology, people might experience three common problems with them. Here’s what could be causing those issues (and what you can do to correct them).
Feedback and whistling
Maybe you suddenly begin to hear a terrible high-pitched whistling while you’re attempting to have a chat with a friend or relative. Or maybe you detect a bit of feedback. You start to think, “this is strange, what’s up with this whistling”?
Feedback and whistling can be caused by these possible issues:
- For people who wear behind-the-ear hearing aids, the tubing that attaches your earmold with your hearing aid might have become compromised. Take a close look to see if the tube might have detached or might be compromised somehow.
- Your hearing aids might not be sitting in your ears correctly. Try to take them out and re-seat them. If the fit isn’t right you might need to come in so we can help you get a better fit.
- Earwax buildup in your ear canal can undermine how your hearing aid works. This is a rather 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 talk to us about the best method to do that (do not use a cotton swab).
If these issues are not easily resolved, it’s worth talking to us about correcting the fit or sending your device in for maintenance (depending on what we think the underlying cause of that whistling or feedback might be).
No sound coming from your hearing aids
Your hearing aids should make, well, sound. That’s their primary function! Something has undoubtedly gone wrong if you don’t hear any sound coming out of your hearing aid. So what could be the cause when hearing aids work but no sound comes through? Here are some things to watch for:
- Power: Look, we’ve all disregarded turning the hearing aids on before. Make sure that isn’t the issue. Then you can cross that of the list of possible issues.
- 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.
- Batteries: If you have rechargeable batteries, be sure that they are completely charged. And whether your batteries are rechargeable or not, it may be worth switching them out for fresh ones.
- Your settings: If you have them, cycle through your custom settings. Your hearing aids may think you’re in a huge space when you’re actually in a small room because the setting is wrong. The sound you’re hearing may be off as a result.
If these steps don’t correct your issues, we may have the answers. We’ll be able to help you determine the next steps, and whether maintenance, repair, or replacement is required.
Painful ears when you’re wearing your hearing aids
Perhaps your hearing aids are fine functionally but they hurt when you put them in. And you’re probably thinking: why do my ears ache when I wear my hearing aids? This sort of discomfort isn’t exactly conducive to using your hearing aids on a day-to-day basis. So, what could be causing it?
- Time: Getting accustomed to your hearing aids will take a little while. How long will depend on the individual. When you first get your new hearing aids, we can help you get a realistic concept of the adjustment period you can anticipate. Also, speak with us about any discomfort you might be experiencing.
- 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. Over the long haul, you will have fewer issues if you have a good fit. We will be able to help you achieve the best possible fit from your devices.
Bypass issues with a little test drive
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 most cases we’ll let you test out a pair of devices before you determine that’s the pair for you.
Choosing the correct hearing aids, adjusting them to fit your requirements, and helping with any extended issues you might have, are all things we will assist with. We will be your resource for any help you need.
And that’s most likely more dependable than your internet company.