Have you ever had your internet cut right as you’re almost to the best part of your favorite Netflix show? Instead of finding out who won the baking show, you have to watch a never-ending 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.
When technology malfunctions, it can be really aggravating. Your hearing aids definitely fall into this category. 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 when they quit working, your hearing loss symptoms can suddenly become a lot more frustrating. You’ve been let down by the technology you count on. How do hearing aids just quit working? So how do you cope with that? Well, there are three prevalent ways that hearing aids can fail, here’s how you can start to identify and troubleshoot those issues.
Hearing aids can often have three common issues
Even though hearing aids are complex technology, individuals may encounter three common problems with them. Let’s have a look at possible causes of these issues and potential fixes.
Whistling and feedback
Perhaps you suddenly begin to hear a terrible high-pitched whistling while you’re trying to have a conversation with a friend or family member. Or perhaps you hear some feedback. You start to think, “this is strange, what’s up with this whistling”?
Whistling and feedback can be caused by these possible issues:
- The functionality of your hearing aid can be impacted by earwax buildup in your ear canal. This is a rather common one. 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 (do not use a cotton swab).
- Your hearing aids might not be sitting in your ears correctly. Try removing them and putting them back in. You can also try reducing the volume (if this works, you might find some temporary relief, but it also likely means that the fit isn’t quite right and you should talk to us about it).
- For those who wear behind-the-ear hearing aids, the tubing that attaches your earmold with your hearing aid may have become compromised. Have a close look to identify whether the tube may have separated or might be compromised somehow.
Depending on the underlying cause of the feedback, we can help you resolve these issues if you can’t figure them out on your own.
Hearing aids not producing sound
The main objective of hearing aids is to generate sound. That’s their main function! Something has undoubtedly 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:
- Power: Look, we’ve all disregarded turning on the hearing aid before. Check for this first. This possible issue can then be eliminated..
- Batteries: Make sure your batteries are completely charged. And whether your batteries are rechargeable or not, it may be worth switching them out for fresh ones.
- Your settings: Cycle through the personalized settings if your device has them. Your hearing aids may think you’re in a huge space when you’re actually in a small room because the setting isn’t right. The sound you’re hearing could be off as a consequence.
- Earwax buildup: Here we go again with the earwax! Take a close look to see if you discover any earwax on the microphone or speakers. You want to be sure the device is nice and clean.
We are here for you if these measures don’t clear your issues up. Whether repair, maintenance, or replacement is your next step, we will be capable of helping you figure that out.
When you have your hearing aids in, you feel pain in your ears
What if your hearing aids are working fine, but whenever you put them in your ears, your ears start aching? And you’re most likely thinking: why do my ears ache when I use my hearing aids? This kind of discomfort isn’t exactly conducive to wearing your hearing aids over the long term. So, what could be causing it?
- 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 realistic idea of the adjustment period you can expect. If uncomfortable ears continue, speak with us about that too!
- Fit: The most obvious problem can be the fit. Needless to say, when the fit is nice and tight, your hearing aids will work best. Which means that there can occasionally be discomfort involved in a poor fit. Many hearing aids can be personalized to your particular ears. Over the long haul, you will have fewer problems if you have a tight fit. We will be able to help you achieve the best possible fit from your devices.
Take your new hearing aid out for a test ride
Before you commit to a pair of hearing aids, it’s a good idea 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 right hearing aids, adjusting them to fit your needs, and helping with any extended problems you may have, are all things we will assist with. In other words, when your devices stop working, you’ll have a resource that can help!
And that’s most likely more reliable than your internet company.
