If you are suffering from a loss of hearing or an inability to hear clearly, hearing aids can bring a great improvement to your quality of life. I’ve personally witnessed how these user-friendly devices have aided my patients regain their ability to hear and function properly. However, as with all technological devices, issues do arise. If you are a new hearing aid user, then allow me to inform you on the most common issues that new hearing aid users face and how to fix them.
1. No Sound
One of the most common issues that I’ve seen new hearing aid users face is no sound. There are a few potential reasons why you may be facing this problem and here’s how to solve them.
Cause #1: The Device is Turned Off
It takes time to get used to a hearing aid device and learning the interface so it wouldn’t come as a surprise if you forgot to switch it from off to on. In addition, when you place it in your ear, it is possible to accidentally flip it back to off so be careful when placing it in.
Cause #2: The Volume is Low
Check the volume and make sure it is up to your preference settings. The reason you may not be hearing any sound is that the volume is too low.
Cause #3: The Battery is Dead
If you have checked that your hearing aid is on and the volume is up, then the most likely cause of no sound is that the battery is dead. Sometimes new hearing aids don’t come with the battery included or the battery naturally drained over time, a simple fix would be to get a new battery. Keeping a few spare batteries on you at all times will also come in handy.
2. Uncomfortable sounds – how to adjust
If you put on the hearing aids and experience an uncomfortable sound such as distortion, I’d recommend taking these steps to troubleshoot the issue and resolve the problem.
1. Make sure your hearing aid is set the right program and volume. Many hearing aids come with a variety of programs to aid in many different forms of hearing loss. If your hearing aid is set to the wrong program, then it is likely that you will experience uncomfortable sounds. If your hearing aid is indeed on the wrong program, then resetting it to the right program will fix the issue.
2. If it isn’t a problem with the program, then check to see if there is any wax, dirt, or debris blocking the microphone, tube or earpiece. If you see any, clean these components appropriately. Cleaning your hearing aid regularly is also a good practice to start and will prevent this issue from occurring.
3. There may be moisture in the hearing aid. Excess moisture from sweat and other liquids can cause moisture to seep into your hearing aid. If you believe this is the case, then use a dehumidifier overnight or a UV-Clean & Dry Box to remove the moisture.
4. Check your ears. The issue may be caused by a blockage of earwax in your ear canal.
5. If none of the above solutions worked for you, we are here to help you as part of our service. We’ll work with you to figure out the problem and support in adjusting them to your comfort.
3. Whistling & Feedback issues
This is the case if you put your hearing aid on and you hear a whistling or feedback sound coming through. In this case, I propose you should:
1. First, remove the hearing aid. Then put the hearing aid back into your ear more carefully. The issue may have been a problem with the way you inserted it.
2. If you are still experiencing the feedback or whistling noise, try turning down the volume. Too much sound trying to get through at once can cause the hearing aid to produce whistling and feedback sounds.
3. Check for cracks in the ear hook or the tubing and replace them if necessary.
4. When something is rubbed against them, hearing aids amplify the sounds they’re making, causing a jarring, high-pitched squealing sound. Make sure that there is nothing in or near your ear that could cause the hearing aids to produce feedback.
4. Uncomfortable fit
New hearing aids can feel uncomfortable at first as with any other foreign object on your ear. Given time, your body will adapt to the stimuli and no longer react to it through a process called sensory adaptation. If the issue persists, however, and doesn’t seem to be caused by the novelty of the hearing aid, it may be the cause of the earpiece improperly fitting into your ear.
Try replacing it with a closed tip or dome or a different size. Finding the right earpiece for you can solve the discomfort that you feel sooner rather than later.
If You Still Have Issues…
If you’ve tried resolving these common issues for your new hearing aids but the problem persists, then it’s time to talk to your hearing aid provider or hearing healthcare professional. Contact us at Celestial Hearing Solutions for an evaluation. I’d be happy to sit with you and resolve any issues that you may have.
Paula C. Rogers, BC-HIS is a Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist and has been helping people to restore and care for their hearing health for over 30 years. You’ll experience the warmth and loving care of Paula and her team who will become your hearing care partners for life at their Las Cruces Hearing Center.