Common Hearing Aid Problems and Their Solutions

Hearing aids allow people with hearing loss to appreciate the richness of sound more fully. They amplify sounds inside the ear so that listening to music, participating in social gatherings, and a myriad of other activities can be more enjoyable and easier. It's a bit disappointing when, after enhancing your hearing significantly, they stop working as effectively as they did in the past.

Hearing aids typically last for an extremely long time if taken care of. However, like any electronic device, things can sometimes go wrong. Hearing aid issues can signify that your hearing device requires some maintenance or repairs. However, they could also be little problems that can be fixed without difficulty.

This article outlines frequent hearing aid problems, the possible causes, and the best ways to fix them. If your hearing aids persist, you should consult an expert.

When was the last time you had your hearing examined? Like your eyesight, hearing loss can happen gradually, and it's easy not to get noticed.

You have plenty of options if you've already dealt with hearing loss that has negatively affected your daily life. Consult with an audiologist to determine whether hearing aids are suitable for you or not.

Common issues with hearing aids and possible solutions are:

 

Hearing Aids Aren't Producing Any Sound

 

If your hearing aids aren't working, a dead battery is likely to be the cause. Hearing aid batteries generally last between 7 and 10 days if you use a hearing aid most of your time, but they can last longer or shorter depending on the use time. Be sure to have enough batteries available and be aware that you'll have to replace them frequently, or you can also go for hearing aids with rechargeable batteries.

If the battery seems fine, the receiver may be blocked. With time, dead skin, earwax, hair gel, and other debris may build up on the receiver's openings, which are usually on your device's rear side. One method to test this is to restart the hearing aid. If it's rechargeable, put it inside the charging device for a few minutes and then take it out again. If batteries power it, then open the battery door, then close it again. Place the device in your ear. Try cleansing the mic port if you can hear the start-up sound, but the device is not picking any sounds from outside to amplify. Your hearing aids are probably included with a cleaning kit; if not, then you can use a toothbrush to clean them.

If you find that neither changing the battery nor cleaning the receiver port works, your hearing could actually be damaged, defective or dead. In this scenario, you need to seek a hearing specialist to help with your hearing aids problem.

 

Hearing Aids Aren't Loud Enough

Another common issue with hearing aids is that the device has decreased its volume and doesn't work as effectively as it used to. Like a silent hearing aid, there are times when the problem is with the receiver here as well. Cleaning the port of the microphone using the cleaning kit that comes with the aid you use to hear or with a toothbrush can help.

In certain situations, the battery's low level can result in erratic and unstable hearing aids' performance, so ensure that you keep sufficient batteries and make sure to replace the batteries regularly. This may seem evident, but you should check the volume, as often the problem could be just as easy as having it set too low. Another obvious (but frequently) problem is that the hearing aid is not properly positioned within your ear. Remove it and then carefully re-insert it.

 

If your hearing aid has been adjusted to the appropriate volume and fitted correctly, the device has been properly cleaned, and there is nothing blocked, your hearing aid might require adjustment. This may be some adjustments to your hearing aid or even a complete replacement, so you should consult an expert for a hearing test.

 

Hearing Aids Sound Weird

 

One issue with hearing aids Australia that you might not have anticipated could be the hearing aid sounds odd or distorted. Perhaps the sound is muffled, muddy or distorted. Maybe you hear feedback, whistling or the sound of your voice echoing through your ears or a strange sound you cannot pinpoint. Like many other hearing aid-related issues, these usually have simple solutions.

 

If conversations and other everyday noises sound unclear and distorted, this could signify that the device's battery has reached a point of no return. The cause could also include one of the causes discussed in the previous sections, such as a blocked receiver or the aid placed incorrectly inside your ear. If cleaning your hearing aid, replacing the battery, and re-adjusting the earpiece doesn't solve the issue, it's time to talk to an experienced hearing specialist.

 

Perhaps certain sounds are louder than they were previously. You might find yourself paying greater attention to certain sounds than you normally would. This is because your brain is trying to adjust to hearing aids and sounds that might be muted or unlistenable for a long time. The sounds of chewing or your voice may be noticeable, but they should fade as you become accustomed to hearing aids.

 

Feedback is among the main causes of hearing aids sounding strange. Feedback can manifest in various ways, including buzzing, whistling, hissing, or echoing. The next section is devoted to feedback and the best way to handle it.

 

Hearing Aids Are Producing Feedback

 

Feedback is among the most frequently encountered problems with hearing aids that you're likely to face. You've likely heard a dreadful sound that screams when a microphone is close to the speaker. The microphone takes in the sound coming from speakers, amplifies it, and transmits it back to the speaker. The entire process repeats. Similar processes can happen when the parts inside the hearing aids are placed too closely. The sound that was supposed to travel across your ear escapes out from your ear, is fed back to the microphone, and shows in various irritating and unpleasing sounds.

Feedback could indicate that the hearing aids you have purchased are not installed or fitted properly. Like the rest of your body, your ears also change over time, and sometimes you simply need new hearing aids.

 

The other reasons that can cause feedback include a volume set too high, a microphone that is not working properly or even earwax that blocks your ear canal, blocking the passage of sound. If you're certain that you've worn your hearing aids correctly in a clean ear and that your hearing canals are clear, it's a good idea to visit an audiologist and get your hearing aids evaluated or even changed.

 

Get Your Hearing Tested at Hearing Aid Specialists SA

 

Hearing Aid Specialist SA is not a hearing aid company and is not affiliated with any hearing aid manufacturer. We are Australia's accredited hearing specialists, and our independence allows us to provide you with a wide range of hearing aid brands and styles. We'll work with you to discover the most suitable hearing aids to suit your needs, and if you're experiencing hearing problems, we're here for you with that as well.

 

We only employ university-trained audiologists who have the best knowledge and experience. The certified audiologists will evaluate the severity of your hearing issues and present a customised solution that is perfect for you.

 

If you're searching for information about hearing aids, most likely, the loss of hearing has already affected your life, and you're looking for relief and efficient treatment. With free hearing tests, one of HASSA's audiologists will determine the severity of your hearing problems before recommending the best treatment possible and, if necessary, most suitable hearing aid.

 

Find out more about the discounted hearingaids and solutions s we provide and contact us to arrange a free hearing test today.