Have you ever had your internet cut just as you’re almost to the best part of your favorite Netflix movie? Instead of finding out who won the baking show, you have to watch an endless spinning circle. All you can do is wait around for it to come back. Perhaps it’s your modem, might be your router, possibly it’s the internet provider, or maybe it’ll just fix itself. It’s not a very good feeling.
Technology can be enormously aggravating when it doesn’t work properly. The same is certainly true of your hearing aids. When they’re functioning properly, 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 stop working. You’ve been disappointed by the technology you depend on. Why would your hearing aids just quit functioning? So what can 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
Hearing aids are complex devices. Even still, there are some common issues that individuals with hearing aids might experience. Let’s take a look at possible causes of these issues and potential fixes.
Whistling and feedback
So, perhaps you’re trying to have a chat with your family or watch your favorite show and you start to notice a dreadful whistling noise. Or perhaps you notice some feedback. You begin to think, “this is strange, what’s up with this whistling”?
Here are three potential problems that could be causing this whistling and feedback:
- Earwax accumulation in your ear canal can compromise how your hearing aid works. You’ll notice this comes up fairly regularly. That includes making your hearing aid whistle or feedback. If possible, you can try clearing some earwax out of your ear or talk to us about the best method to do that (don’t use a cotton swab).
- For people who use behind-the-ear hearing aids, the tubing that attaches your earmold with your hearing aid might have become compromised. Try to inspect this tubing as well as possible and make sure nothing is loose and the tube doesn’t appear damaged.
- Your hearing aids may not be seated in your ears properly. Try taking them out and putting them back in. If the fit isn’t correct you may need to come see us so we can help you get a better fit.
Depending on the underlying cause of the feedback, we can help you deal with these issues if you can’t figure them out on your own.
Hearing aids not generating sound
The main purpose of hearing aids is to generate sound. That’s what they’re made to do! Something has certainly gone wrong if you can’t hear any sound coming from your hearing aid. So what could be the explanation when hearing aids work but no sound comes through? Here are several things to watch for:
- Earwax buildup: Here we go again with the earwax! Take a close look to see if you come across any earwax on the speakers or microphone. You want to make certain the device is good and clean.
- Batteries: Make sure your batteries are fully charged. And even rechargeable batteries should be switched out from time to time.
- Your settings: Scroll through the personalized settings if your device includes them. Your hearing aids might think you’re in a very large room when you’re actually in a little room because the setting isn’t right. The sound you’re hearing may be off as a result.
- Power: Look, we’ve all forgotten to turn the hearing aids on before. Make certain that isn’t the problem. This potential problem can then be eliminated..
If these steps don’t correct your issues, we may have the solution. We’ll be able to help you find out the next steps, and whether maintenance, repair, or replacement is required.
Painful ears while you’re wearing your hearing aids
What if your hearing aids work perfectly, but whenever you put them in your ears, your ears begin aching? And you’re 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 make your ears hurt. So, what could be causing it?
- Time: Sometimes, it just takes some time to get used to your hearing aids. How long it takes will depend on the individual. When you first get your hearing aids, we can help you get a realistic concept of the adjustment period you can anticipate. If uncomfortable ears continue, speak with us about that too!
- Fit: The fit of the device is the most obvious problem. Naturally, when the fit is nice and tight, your hearing aids will work best. Which means that there can occasionally be pain involved in a poor fit. Many hearing aids can be customized to your specific ears. Over the long haul, you will have fewer problems if you have a good fit. If you come see us, we can help you achieve the best fit for your device.
Bypass issues with a little test drive
Before you decide on a pair of hearing aids, it’s a smart plan to try them out for a while. Most of the time we will have loaner pairs for you to try out before you make a decision.
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 help with. We will be your resource for any assistance you need.
And that’s most likely more dependable than your internet company.