Have you ever been watching your favorite Netflix show when your internet suddenly cuts out? Instead of discovering who won the baking show, you have to watch a never-ending spinning circle. All you can do is wait around for it to come back. Is it your internet provider, modem, router, or maybe it will simply come back on its own? It kind of stinks.
Technology can be tremendously aggravating when it doesn’t work correctly. The same is certainly true of your hearing aids. When they’re functioning correctly, hearing aids can help you remain connected with the ones you love and better hear co-workers when they talk to you.
But when they quit working, your hearing loss symptoms can suddenly become much more frustrating. You’ve been disappointed by the technology you count on. Why would your hearing aids just stop functioning? So what should you do? Here are the three prevalent ways your hearing aids can fail and how to troubleshoot and identify them.
Hearing aids can often have three common issues
Even though hearing aids are sophisticated technology, people might encounter three common problems with them. Here’s what might be causing those issues (and what you can do to correct them).
Whistling and feedback
Perhaps you suddenly begin to hear an awful high-pitched whistling while you’re attempting to have a chat with a friend or relative. Or maybe you notice some feedback. You begin to think, “this is weird, what’s up with this whistling”?
Whistling and feedback can be caused by these possible issues:
- The tubing that connects the hearing aid with the earmold, on behind-the-ear models, can occasionally become compromised. Take a close look to see if the tube may have detached or might be compromised somehow.
- The functionality of your hearing aid can be affected by earwax buildup in your ear canal. You’ll find this comes up pretty often. Whistling and feedback are frequently one result of this sort of earwax buildup. You can try to clean some of the earwax out (never use a cotton swab) and if that doesn’t work out, you can get some help from us.
- You may not have your hearing aids correctly positioned in your ears. Try to take them out and re-seat them. If the fit isn’t correct you may need to come see us so we can help you get a better fit.
If these problems are not easily resolved, it’s worth consulting with us about adjusting the fit or sending your device in for servicing (depending on what we determine the root cause of that whistling or feedback might be).
No sound coming from your hearing aids
Your hearing aids should make, well, sound. That’s what they’re created to do! So if you find yourself thinking, “I don’t hear any sound coming from my hearing aid,” well, then something is certainly not right. So what could be the explanation when hearing aids work but no sound comes out? Well, there are a few things:
- Earwax buildup: Yup, earwax strikes again. Take a close look to see if you come across any earwax on the microphone or speakers. You want to make certain the device is good and clean.
- Your settings: If you have them, flip through your personalized settings. It’s possible your hearing devices are not on the right custom setting (so perhaps your hearing aids think you’re in a gymnasium instead of at the kitchen table). The sound you’re hearing may be off as a consequence.
- Batteries: If you have rechargeable batteries, be sure that they are fully charged. And even rechargeable batteries should be swapped out once in a while.
- Power: Look, we’ve all disregarded turning on the hearing aid before. Check for this first. Then you can cross that of the list of possible issues.
We are here for you if these steps 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 most likely wondering why your hearing aids would make your ears hurt. You’re not as likely to wear your hearing aids every day if they hurt your ears. So, why do they hurt?
- Fit: The most evident issue can be the fit. After all, the majority of hearing aids work best when the fit is nice and snug. Which means that there can occasionally be pain involved in a poor fit. Many hearing aids can be personalized to your particular ears. Over the long haul, you will have fewer issues if you have a good fit. If you come see us, we can help you achieve the best fit for your device.
- Time: Getting accustomed to your hearing aids will take a little while. How long it takes will depend on the individual. It’s worth talking about when you purchase your hearing aids so you have a realistic concept of how long it may take you to become comfortable with your devices. Also, talk to us about any discomfort you might be experiencing.
Bypass issues with a little test drive
One of the best ways to prevent possible problems with hearing aids is to take them out for a bit of a test run before you commit. Most of the time we will have loaner pairs for you to try out before you make a decision.
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 handle any ongoing issues you might have with your devices. In other words, when your devices stop 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!