Hearing aids are designed to make conversations and everyday sounds clearer, so it can be frustrating when they suddenly seem quieter, muffled or just not quite right.
The good news is that a change in sound quality does not necessarily mean your hearing aids need to be replaced. Something as simple as earwax, moisture, a blocked component or a worn part can affect performance. In other cases, your hearing aids may need cleaning, adjustment, programming or professional service.
At New Hope Hearing in Cambridge, we provide hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More service, maintenance and repair for all hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More brands. If your devices are no longer performing the way you expect, here are a few things you can check and when it may be time to bring them in for professional attention.
Start With a Few Simple Checks at Home
Before assuming there is a major problem with your hearing aids, there are several safe things you can check yourself.
Check the Battery or Charger
If you have rechargeable hearing aids, make sure they are properly positioned in the charger and have had enough time to charge fully.
It is also worth checking that the charger itself is connected to power and functioning normally.
If your hearing aids use disposable batteries, replace the battery with a fresh one even if you think the existing battery should still have power.
Look for Earwax or Debris
Earwax is one of the most common reasons a hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More may suddenly sound quieter or muffled.
Check the parts of the hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More you normally clean, including the:
- Dome
- Earmould
- Wax guard
- Receiver
- Microphone openings
- Tubing, if applicable
Only use cleaning tools and methods recommended for your particular hearing aids.
Avoid inserting pins, needles, cotton swabs or other sharp objects into the device. Hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More components are small and delicate and can be damaged easily.
Turn the Hearing Aid Off and Back On
Like many electronic devices, occasionally a hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More may simply need to be restarted.
Turn the hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More off completely, wait a few moments and turn it back on. For rechargeable devices, placing them in the charger and removing them again may also restart them.
Compare Your Two Hearing Aids
If you wear two hearing aids, consider whether the problem is affecting both devices or only one.
If one hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More sounds noticeably weaker than the other, that information can help identify whether the issue is related to the hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More itself rather than the listening environment.
Signs Your Hearing Aids May Need Professional Service
If basic cleaning and troubleshooting do not solve the problem, it may be time to schedule a hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More service appointment.
You should consider having your hearing aids checked if:
- Voices suddenly sound dull, distant or muffled.
- One hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More is noticeably quieter than the other.
- Your hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More cuts in and out.
- You hear static, distortion or unusual noises.
- The hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More whistles or produces feedbackThe occurrence of a whistling or buzzing sound in a hearing ... More more frequently.
- Rechargeable hearing aids are no longer holding a charge as expected.
- The device has recently been exposed to moisture or heavy perspiration.
- Cleaning improves the sound temporarily but the problem keeps returning.
- Your hearing aids seem to be working but conversations are becoming increasingly difficult to understand.
New Hope Hearing services and maintains all brands of hearing aids, so you can bring your devices in even if they were manufactured by a different hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More company.
Moisture Can Cause Hearing Aid Problems
Hearing aids spend many hours each day in and around your ears, where they are naturally exposed to humidity and perspiration.
Ontario summers can be particularly challenging for hearing aids, but moisture-related issues can occur throughout the year.
Exercise, gardening, rain, cottage weekends, travelling and simply spending time outdoors in warm weather can all expose hearing aids to additional moisture.
Signs of a moisture-related issue can include:
- Intermittent sound
- Reduced volume
- Distorted or crackling sound
- Unexpected shutdowns
- Charging problems
If you suspect moisture is affecting your hearing aids, avoid trying to dry them with a hair dryer, microwave, oven or other source of heat. Excessive heat can permanently damage hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More components.
Ask your hearing professional about appropriate drying and storage options for your particular devices.
Sometimes the Hearing Aid Is Not the Problem
If your hearing aids appear to be functioning properly but everything still sounds quieter or more muffled, the problem may not be the hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More itself.
Earwax Buildup
Earwax can block sound from reaching the eardrum effectively, making even properly functioning hearing aids seem weaker.
New Hope Hearing provides certified earwax removal as part of its hearing-care services.
Changes in Your Hearing
Hearing can change over time.
If it has been a while since your last hearing assessment, your hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More settings may no longer match your current hearing needs.
A new hearing assessment can determine whether your hearing has changed and whether your hearing aids should be reprogrammed.
Changes in Fit
Ears can change over time as well. A dome or earmould that once fit comfortably may begin to fit differently.
A poor fit can affect sound quality and may also contribute to feedbackThe occurrence of a whistling or buzzing sound in a hearing ... More or whistling.
Your Hearing Aids May Need Reprogramming
Modern hearing aids are sophisticated devices that can be adjusted based on your hearing lossA partial or total inability to hear sounds, ranging from mi... More, lifestyle and listening preferences.
You may notice that your hearing aids work well at home but struggle more in places such as:
- Restaurants
- Family gatherings
- Meetings
- Cars
- Outdoor events
- Busy stores
- Group conversations
That does not necessarily mean the hearing aids are malfunctioning.
Sometimes the devices simply need to be fine-tuned based on the situations where you are having difficulty.
New Hope Hearing provides hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More programming and fitting for all brands of hearing aids. Adjustments can help ensure the devices continue to match your hearing needs and everyday listening environments.
What Should You Bring to a Hearing Aid Service Appointment?
Bring your hearing aids with you, along with anything you regularly use with them.
Depending on your devices, that could include:
- Your hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More charger
- Cleaning tools
- Remote controls
- Bluetooth accessories
- Smartphone, if you are experiencing connectivity problems
- Any replacement domes or supplies you currently use
It is also helpful to think about exactly what has changed.
For example:
- Did the problem begin suddenly or gradually?
- Is one hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More affected or both?
- Does the problem happen all the time?
- Is the sound quiet, muffled, distorted or intermittent?
- Does it happen more frequently in certain environments?
- Have the devices recently been exposed to moisture?
- Have you noticed any changes in charging or battery life?
These details can make troubleshooting much easier.
When a Hearing Problem Needs Medical Attention
A hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More that gradually becomes quieter is often a device, earwax, fitting or programming issue.
However, sudden hearing lossA partial or total inability to hear sounds, ranging from mi... More should not be treated as a routine hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More problem.
If you experience a sudden or significant change in your hearing, particularly if it is accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, ear pain or drainage, seek prompt medical attention.
Don’t Put Up With Hearing Aids That Aren’t Working Properly
It can be tempting to tolerate a hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More that is a little too quiet or only works intermittently. But small problems can have a surprisingly large effect on conversations, television, phone calls and everyday communication.
In many cases, the solution may be relatively straightforward.
A professional hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More service appointment can help determine whether your devices need cleaning, a replacement component, adjustment, reprogramming or further repair.
New Hope Hearing is a privately owned, independent hearing clinic serving Cambridge, Hespeler and surrounding communities. Our clinic provides hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More fitting, programming, service, maintenance and repair for all hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More brands.
If your hearing aids sound weak, muffled or different than they used to, call New Hope Hearing at 519-220-1441 to book an appointment at our Cambridge hearing clinic.