Hearing aids are like mini-miracles. These tiny technological wonders enhance your vital sense of sound so you can enjoy the world. Millions of people count on hearing aids for daily function, as well as listening pleasure. So, what happens when your hearing aid isn’t working correctly? Don’t worry; there are easy solutions you can try at home. Take a look at four common hearing aid problems and how to fix them. And remember, we are always here to help!
1. No Sound
When you turn on your hearing aid, the last thing you expect to hear is nothing. But there are several reasons this can happen, so try one of these simple solutions.
- First, make sure it’s turned on. It’s common to forget this step, especially when adjusting to a new device. Sometimes the power gets turned off accidentally when putting it in. So, pop it out, check the power, and try again.
- Next, check the volume. Make sure it’s turned up to a discernible level- it may have switched to a lower setting.
- If you’re powered up, and the volume is set to max, and you still hear nothing, check the battery. Sometimes batteries are installed upside down, which prevents the battery door from fully closing. You might need a new battery if you bought your device at a store or online rather than at Discount Hearing Aid Center.
- Check for earwax clogging the tube or microphone. It’s essential to clean your hearing aids regularly with a brush or pick to prevent sound blockage.
- Lastly, check for any signs of damage, and stop in our office if you can’t generate sound.
2. Poor Sound Quality
If the volume is turned up, but the sound is still low or distorted, there are a few things to check. We guarantee a quality sound, so if these tips don’t work, come in, and we’ll make it right.
- Check that your hearing aid is set to the right program, and toggle between settings to find the best one.
- For In the Ear (ITE) devices, check for earwax and wipe it away. For Behind the Ear (BTE) aids, check the tubing for any cracks, clogs, or moisture.
- Turn the volume up and down manually and listen for changes in volume to make sure it’s working.
- Eliminate dust or debris by rotating controls to free any loose particles.
- Check the batteries for corrosion or to see if they’re running low.
- Try dehumidifying your device overnight since moisture distorts the sound.
- If sound quality doesn’t improve, come and see us. Your hearing needs may have changed, or your device needs repair.
3. Whistling & Feedback
A whistling sound, or feedback, is a common but an uncomfortable sensation with hearing aids. Luckily, there are easy ways to prevent that sound in your ear.
- Try putting it in again. Friction causes feedback, so if your device is misaligned in your ear, it can make funny sounds. Keep your head still when you install it since movement can cause whistling before it’s in place.
- Lower the volume. Sometimes high-frequency sound causes whistling. If you’re new to hearing devices, start lower, and work your way up to a comfortable volume.
- Clean your ears. Earwax in the canal can cause tinnitus (ringing) that you mistake for whistling from your device. Earwax can also cause you to turn the volume so high that it whistles.
4. Uncomfortable Fit
It takes a minute to adjust to something in your ear, just like adjusting to new glasses. But if your hearing aid is still uncomfortable after a bit, consider these possibilities.
- It might be the wrong size. If you ordered your aid or didn’t have it fitted, it could be too big or small. That’s not only uncomfortable, but it also causes many of the symptoms above, like feedback or distorted sound.
- You might need a different shape. Hearing aids come in an array of shapes and sizes. See us to find a comfortable fit.
- Your needs may have changed. If you lose significant weight or change careers or activity levels, a different aid might be better. An aid that slips around in your ear won’t feel good, and you run the risk of it falling out.
Hear More Associates loves restoring sound quality to our patients, and we aren’t happy until you are! Try these tips to fix hearing aid problems, or come in and we’ll fix it for you!