Modern hearing aids are incredibly sophisticated pieces of technology.
They don’t just amplify sounds, but they can also stream calls, provide clarity in different environments, and last for years into the future.
But over time, you can encounter the occasional problem. As with any type of intricate software, it’s not completely infallible.
Patients with new devices sometimes also need some extra coaching to get the best from their technology during their initial month as a wearer.
These are some of the common hearing aid issues and how you can troubleshoot them.
“Certain noises hurt my ears”
When a patient is fitted with a new set of hearing aids, they can sometimes experience mild pain from specific sounds.
Patients who’ve had an undiagnosed auditory issue for a number of years are particularly susceptible to this issue.
This is because, after many years of suppressed hearing, some noises can suddenly seem harsh or severe.
Whether these sounds are from road traffic or a booming speaker, people can find this immediate sensory development strange, unfamiliar, and worrisome.
The solutions:
- If you’re experiencing this after a fitting, it’s important to take a break from your hearing aids for periods at a time.
- You can also try to normalize certain sounds that are causing you trouble from the comfort of your own home, where you can stop them if needed.
- For those with older devices who are experiencing this issue, it’s important to speak to Dr. Holland or me about your problem.
- Older devices can run into difficulties – either from moisture build-up or long-term usage – and we can offer technical advice and expertise about possible fixes.
“I can hear a whistling sound”
For those who can remember the sixties and seventies, a common complaint of many hearing aid wearers was that their devices made whistling noises.
Today, hearing aids are incomparable to these early models, but occasionally, this annoying issue can resurface among patients.
It can arise for a number of reasons, including poor positioning, high volume levels, obstructions from clothing or hair, and damage to the technology.
Often, a patient can fix this issue themselves, without an audiologist, so it is worth trying these solutions out if you’re experiencing this problem.
The solutions:
- If a device feels improperly positioned, take it out and place it in your ear again. If it doesn’t fit snuggly, you may need a new fitting.
- If the volume level seems like the primary issue, reduce it on your device a little, to a point where it feels more comfortable.
- For those with longer hair or who often put on headwear, make sure none of these things are in contact with your device’s microphone.
- Lastly, check your device for any signs of damage. If the casing is cracked, it may need to be changed for a new one.
“I can’t hear anything”
One of the most frustrating issues that hearing aid wearers can have is when, all of a sudden, their device stops producing noises.
For those who fully depend on hearing aids to understand the world around them, this can be particularly distressing.
This issue can occur for a variety of reasons, and it’s good to try some of these solutions as there may be an easy remedy.
The solutions:
- First, check that the device is turned on properly. This may seem obvious, but sometimes it happens to fix the issue.
- Another common problem is low volume. Try changing the levels on your device to see if it makes any difference to what you can hear.
- Sometimes wax build-up in someone’s ear can be the issue. In these cases, talk to Dr. Susan Holland or me at the clinic, and we can solve this.
- Finally, a hearing aid can just be suffering from a dead battery. Put a new one in and see if the device returns to full power again.
“My hearing aids feel uncomfortable”
While a patient will have to get used to the sensation of wearing a hearing aid, no one should feel discomfort from a device.
Unfortunately, some patients feel that this is normal and decide to ditch their device rather than address what is causing the problem.
It’s unlikely that those who’ve had a fitting at Holland Hearing will experience this issue, as Dr. Holland and I work tirelessly to ensure each patient is satisfied.
But for those who are concerned, there are a number of ways they can try and rectify this issue.
Solutions:
- Check whether the hearing aid has sustained any damage. If it’s not in perfect condition, this may be causing the problem.
- If you’ve purchased your device from another provider, consider coming to Holland Hearing to get an expert fitting, which won’t cause you any future issues.
- If you haven’t worn hearing aids before, take breaks when initially using them. It can take a while to acclimatize to a new device.
- If you’re still experiencing a problem, call Holland Hearing and either Dr. Holland or I will be happy to assist you further.
Are you having trouble with your hearing aid or know someone else who is? Contact us at Holland Hearing by calling (325) 437-4730 , and we can assist you today!
