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Getting new hearing aids is such an exciting step in improving hearing health and overall wellness. Hearing aids provide significant support that enables people to hear much more clearly and with greater ease. Transitioning into hearing aids includes hearing sounds you haven’t experienced in quite some time, being able to follow conversations comfortably, and spending quality time with loved ones. It is also important to note that this transition also takes time and patience to fully adjust to this new device as your auditory system relearns new ways of hearing and processing sound. Knowing how to troubleshoot the most common problems people experience with hearing aids can be useful as you integrate your device into daily life.
1. No Sound
If after putting your hearing aid(s) in you do not hear any sound, thoroughly inspect the device. Look at the microphone, tubing, earpiece, etc. and check for any cracks or other damage that could be impacting the device. Be sure there isn’t excess moisture or dirt that could be causing blockages. Once you’ve done that and if the sound is still absent, try the following solutions:
- Check power button: this may seem obvious but it’s a common occurrence for the power switch to not actually be on! Be sure that you have turned your device on and that it has not been accidentally powered off.
- Inspect battery: it is important for the battery to be installed correctly and adequately supplied with energy. Check the battery to make sure that it is not loose or that the hinge keeping it in place is not misaligned. Additionally, make sure that your batteries are charged and that you have an extra supply if needed!
- Volume settings: another thing that may seem obvious is to make sure that the volume is not on the lowest setting which can happen accidentally. Be sure to explore the volume settings to see which setting works best for you.
2. Quality of Sound is Poor
If your hearing aid(s) is working but the sounds are distorted, fuzzy, or choppy; check that the settings programmed for your hearing needs are optimal. Once you have done that and if the issues persist, try the following:
- Evaluate the battery: issues with the battery are typically the source of these kinds of sound issues. You can troubleshoot this by powering off your device and inspecting the batter, specifically checking for any discoloration, rust, or corrosion. This can be caused by excess moisture which seeps into the battery which can contribute to distorting the sound. If cleaning and dehumidifying efforts are not effective, replace the batteries and this should fix the issue.
3. Feedback
Hearing aids are designed to reduce feedback so if you hear whistling like noises, this is an indication that there is an issue. In addition to checking for damage on the hardware, try the following quick fixes:
- Check fit: if you put your device in quickly and hastily, it could be sitting in the ears incorrectly which can contribute to feedback. So take out your device and carefully place it back in before powering it on.
- Lower volume: high volume settings can also contribute to feedback. Adjust the settings on lower volume and see if this helps.
- Clean ears: accumulation of earwax in the ear canal can also cause feedback. Thoroughly cleaning your ears gets rid of earwax buildup which prevents sound from traveling to the inner ear.
4. Fit is Uncomfortable
Hearing aids are typically fitted to ensure that the device comfortably sits in/behind the ear(s). Though it takes a little bit of time to adjust to the feeling of wearing hearing aids, it should eventually feel comfortable and easy. There are a few signs that could indicate that your hearing aid is not fitting properly;
- you can feel that the device is not staying in place and is slipping around
- you experience headaches and discomfort in the ears
- the device is consistently producing feedback, you notice corrosion, etc.
If readjusting the device yourself does not work and discomfort persists, you should consult with a specialist to examine the fit. We’re here to help! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.