Have you ever been watching your favorite Netflix movie when your internet abruptly disappears? 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 just come back on its own? It kind of stinks.
Technology can be enormously frustrating when it doesn’t work properly. The same is certainly true of your hearing aids. Most of the time, your hearing aids will provide you with 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 quit 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? Here are the three common ways your hearing aids can malfunction and how to diagnose and identify them.
Three common issues with hearing aids (and some possible solutions)
Hearing aids are sophisticated devices. Even still, there are some common issues that people with hearing aids may experience. Let’s have a look at possible causes of these issues and potential fixes.
Feedback and whistling
Maybe you suddenly start to hear a terrible high-pitched whistling while you’re trying to have a conversation with a friend or relative. Or maybe you hear some feedback. You start to think, “this is strange, what’s up with this whistling”?
Here are three potential problems that could be causing this whistling and feedback:
- The tubing that connects the hearing aid with the earmold, on behind-the-ear models, can sometimes become compromised. Take a close look to identify whether the tube may have detached or might be compromised somehow.
- Earwax buildup in your ear canal can undermine how your hearing aid works. This is a fairly common one. Whistling and feedback are frequently one outcome of this kind of earwax accumulation. If possible, you can attempt to clean some earwax out of your ear or consult with us about the best method to do that (do not use a cotton swab).
- Your hearing aids might not be seated in your ears correctly. Try taking them out and putting them back in. You can also try reducing the volume (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).
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 root cause of that whistling or feedback might be).
No sound coming from your hearing aids
The main objective of hearing aids is to produce sound. That’s what they’re made to do! Something has definitely gone wrong if you can’t hear any sound coming out of your hearing aid. So what could cause hearing aids to drop 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 really clean.
- Your settings: Cycle through the custom settings if your device has them. It’s feasible your hearing devices are on the wrong custom program (so perhaps your hearing aids think you’re in a concert hall instead of at the kitchen table). The sound you’re hearing might be off as a consequence.
- Batteries: If you have rechargeable batteries, make sure that they are fully charged. And whether your batteries are rechargeable or not, it might be worth switching them out for new ones.
- Power: Look, we’ve all disregarded turning the hearing aids on before. Make sure that’s not the issue. Then you can cross that of the list of possible issues.
We are here for you if these measures don’t clear your issues up. We’ll be able to help you determine the next steps, and whether maintenance, repair, or replacement is needed.
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 likely wondering why your hearing aids would make your ears hurt. This type of discomfort is not exactly conducive to wearing your hearing aids over the long term. So, what could be causing it?
- Fit: The most obvious issue can be the fit. Naturally, when the fit is nice and tight, 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 specific ears. The better the fit, the fewer issues you’ll have with pain 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. Each individual will have a different adjustment period. When you first get your hearing aids, we can help you get a reasonable idea of the adjustment period you can anticipate. If uncomfortable ears continue, speak with us about that too!
Avoid issues with a little test drive
One of the best ways to avoid possible problems with hearing aids is to take them out for a bit of a test drive before you decide. Most of the time we will have loaner pairs for you to try out before you make a decision.
In fact, we can help you determine the best kind of hearing aid for your needs, adjust the fit to match your ears, and help you handle any extended problems you might have with your devices. We will be your resource for any assistance you need.
And that’s probably more dependable than your internet company.