Congratulations on your brand new hearing aids! As you begin exploring all of the exciting sounds around you, you may also experience some common problems as you get acquainted to your new device. Rest assured you aren’t alone, it takes time to get used to wearing hearing aids and they can feel uncomfortable the first few weeks.
When you use SLENT Hearing & Balance Center for your hearing health care needs, an Audiologist will provide helpful ongoing support and aftercare to help you adjust to wearing hearing aids. The personalized services we provide simply can’t be beat compared to ordering hearing aids off the shelf or online. We want to ensure your entire hearing aid process goes as smoothly as possible.
Now that you know problems may arise, let’s dive into a few of the most common issues and how to troubleshoot them.
1. Not Hearing Anything
If you already have the hearing aid in your ear and aren’t hearing any sounds, there could be a few possible causes for this. Sometimes as you’re putting your hearing aid into your ear you may accidentally hit the on/off switch if it’s manually turned on and off. Make sure it’s powered on. Similarly, the volume setting may accidentally slip to a lower setting, so check to make sure the volume is set to your preferred setting. Another issue that may occur is due to the battery. If there is still no sound after adjusting the on/off and volume settings, check that the battery is inserted correctly. If the battery is depleted, simply change the battery.
If you’ve done everything mentioned above and there still is no sound, check the receiver tube and microphone. There could be dirt or ear wax blocking the microphone or debris in the tube. Make sure the hearing aid is fully clean and try using it again.
2. Fluctuating Sounds & How to Adjust
You may experience times when the volume fluctuates too high/low, or you’re hearing strange and uncomfortable noises. First, make sure that the earpiece, tube, and microphone are clean since dust, lint, dirt, and ear wax can very easily affect sounds. You may also need to switch the controls around and reset them to your preferences. Make sure to also check the voltage on your hearing aid batteries and replace them if they are low.
Another issue causing uncomfortable sounds in your ear may be due to moisture in the device. Use a dehumidifier overnight or a UV-Clean & Dry Box to remove unwanted moisture and get your hearing aid back to normal in no time. If all of the above troubleshooting suggestions aren’t working, you may need to have your hearing re-checked.
Rather than constantly having to readjust your hearing aid, most hearing aids today are digital and auto-adjust the volume to your surroundings which ends up saving you time and stress. Some hearing aids also come with remote controls which allows for discrete volume control exactly when you need it most. Make sure you know which type of hearing aid you have and are aware of how to operate and personalize it.
3. Whistling & Feedback Issues
If you put your hearing aid on and begin hearing an obnoxious whistling or whining noise, here are some troubleshooting steps that you can take. First, remove the hearing aid and reinsert it into your ear. It may have been placed improperly or aligned incorrectly causing the whistling noises. Also, make sure that you aren’t turning your head before the hearing aid is securely settled in or that may be causing the problem.
Take note of the earpiece you’re using and see if it’s properly fitting in your ear. You may need to replace it with a different size. Make sure to also check for cracks in the tubing or ear hook. If these tips still aren’t helping the whistling sounds, try turning the volume down. There may be too much sound trying to get through the device causing the unwanted noises. Lastly, the whistling sound could be due to excess earwax in your ear canal. Visit a professional for a thorough ear cleaning and this should resolve it.
4. Uncomfortable Fit
If your new hearing aid doesn’t exactly feel right after a few weeks of settling into it, it may not be the right fit for you. The last thing you want is to be struggling to get through the day due to ear pain from your device. If you didn’t purchase your hearing aid through an Audiologist, that’s most likely why it isn’t fitting correctly. A professional will ensure the hearing aid fits the way it should. If you’re having physical discomfort or pain, contact a hearing professional right away.
If the attached ear bud is causing discomfort, the size can be switched out easily to a different size. You may also be able to get a custom mold for your device to provide a more secure fit than solely an ear bud can. Many people find the tubing or wire that comes down their ear to be uncomfortable. A professional can ensure that the tubing and wire is the correct length and shape to minimize rubbing. Modifications to your hearing aid can be made to make sure you’re no longer in pain or feeling uncomfortable throughout the day.
The professionals at SLENT Hearing & Balance Center will ensure your hearing health care is seamless the minute you walk through our doors. Our superior hearing aid aftercare ensures your questions are always answered, and that your devices are comfortable and working correctly day after day. We’re ready to help you achieve the best hearing of your life. Contact us today for more information.
