Peter studied hearing aid fitting at the world headquarters of Starkey Labs. He was able to have hands on training with the company’s founder, Bill Austin. He has also undergone advanced training in the smallest, nearly invisible style hearing aids, and has expanded his education by traveling to Denmark to learn directly from European hearing aid manufacturers. He continues to attend conferences and training seminars to stay current on the rapidly evolving world of hearing aid technology.
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Hearing aids can help improve our quality of life by allowing us to better communicate and engage with the world around us. However, as with any technology, hearing aids can encounter issues that can be frustrating to deal with. In this article, we’ll go over some common hearing aid issues you might encounter, their causes and solutions, and tips for prevention and maintenance.
Common Hearing Aid Issues
Feedback or Whistling
One of the most common hearing aid issues is feedback, which produces a high-pitched whistling sound. This can be caused by a poor fit, wax buildup in the ear canal, or a malfunctioning component in the hearing aid.
Discomfort or Pain
Discomfort or pain when wearing hearing aids can be caused by an ill-fitting device or earwax buildup. In some cases, the pain may be a result of an infection or inflammation in the ear, which should be treated by a medical professional.
Weak or Distorted Sound
If your hearing aid is producing weak or distorted sound, it may be due to a malfunctioning component or a dead battery. Alternatively, there may be an issue with the programming of the hearing aid that needs to be adjusted by a hearing healthcare professional.
Difficulty Adjusting to New Sounds
Hearing aids can amplify sounds that you may not be used to hearing, which can take some time to adjust to. If you’re having trouble adapting to new sounds, it’s important to be patient and give yourself time to adjust.
Discrepancies in Volume or Balance
If you’re experiencing differences in volume or balance between your two hearing aids, it may be due to a programming issue or a malfunctioning component. It’s important to address this issue as soon as possible to prevent further hearing loss or discomfort.
Causes and Solutions
Feedback or Whistling
To prevent feedback or whistling, make sure your hearing aid is properly fitted and cleaned regularly. Additionally, avoid using your hearing aid in noisy environments or turning up the volume too high. If the issue persists, it may be necessary to have the hearing aid adjusted or repaired by a professional.
Discomfort or Pain
If your hearing aid is causing discomfort or pain, it may be due to an ill-fitting device or wax buildup in the ear canal. Try adjusting the fit of the hearing aid or cleaning the ear canal. If the issue persists, seek advice from a hearing healthcare professional.
Weak or Distorted Sound
Weak or distorted sound can be caused by a dead battery, malfunctioning component, or improper programming. Try changing the battery or adjusting the programming. If the issue persists, seek professional help.
Difficulty Adjusting to New Sounds
Adjusting to new sounds can take time, so it’s important to be patient and practice using your hearing aid regularly. Gradually increase the volume over time to avoid overwhelming yourself with new sounds.
Discrepancies in Volume or Balance
If you’re experiencing discrepancies in volume or balance between your two hearing aids, it may be due to a programming issue or malfunctioning component. Seek advice from a hearing healthcare professional to get the issue resolved as soon as possible.
Prevention and Maintenance
To prevent common hearing aid issues, it’s important to properly maintain and care for your hearing aids. Clean them regularly, avoid exposing them to moisture, and store them in a safe place when not in use. Additionally, it’s important to have regular check-ups with a hearing healthcare professional to ensure your hearing aids are functioning properly and to catch any issues early on.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re experiencing persistent hearing aid issues that you can’t resolve on your own, it’s important to seek professional help. This can include scheduling an appointment with a hearing healthcare professional who can diagnose and address any issues with your hearing aids. Additionally, if you experience sudden hearing loss or a change in your hearing, it’s important to seek medical attention right away to rule out any underlying conditions.
While hearing aids can greatly improve our quality of life, it’s important to be aware of common issues that may arise.
If you need more help with your hearing aids, contact us today to set up an appointment.