Nearly 30 million American adults could benefit from wearing hearing aids. You’re one of the many people who rely on this hearing technology to make it easier to navigate your personal and social lives. However, you’ve suddenly found your hearing aids to be uncomfortable — and you want to know why.
Here are five of the most common issues, ranging from hearing aid fit to earwax build-up.
1. The Batteries Have Died or are Low
It’s no secret that batteries don’t last forever. So if you’re having hearing difficulties even with your aids in, it could be that the battery is failing.
After making sure the power switch is on, the volume is not too low, and that your hearing aids are clean (no dust or any other blockage clogging the device), check that your batteries work and are inserted properly. Otherwise, an empty or faulty battery could reduce sound quality and volume or render your hearing aids unusable.
2. Your Hearing Aid Fit Is Off
If your hearing aid doesn’t fit properly, it may seem like your hearing aid is an issue. So be sure to check they’re snug and comfortable in your ears as designed, depending on the type of hearing aids you have.
An improperly fitted hearing aid may create a sore on your ear from rubbing against it. You might also hear a ringing or whirring sound, which can tell you that there’s a gap between your ear and the device, thus allowing air in that distorts the sound.
Another reason may be that the mold taken to fit your hearing aids was not correctly done. If you experience any of these discomforts with your hearing aids, take them back to your provider, explain the issue, and have them re-fitted for a tighter fit and better sound.
3. Earwax May Build Up
Safely cleaning your ears can be a hearing solution. You never know, earwax may have built up in your ear canal, muffling sounds. A waxy ear canal can also adversely affect the fit of your hearing aid — and we already know how that can distort the sounds amplified by your device.
4. There May Be Moisture
Moisture is no friend to technology and water can definitely affect your hearing aids.
Humidity, sweat or even water droplets from your shower can affect the performance of your hearing aids. To prevent moisture from getting onto and into your hearing aids, store the device in a dry place when you’re not wearing them. Make sure you wipe down your hearing aids after activities such as taking a workout class.
Check and make sure that your hearing aids haven’t been compromised by dirt or any other foreign particles either. Particles can get into the speaker portion and block the sound from escaping the device. If you do see dirt in your hearing aids, try cleaning them carefully.
5. Getting Feedback
Sometimes your hearing aids may be picking up other background noise causing high pitched screeches. If this occurs, try repositioning your hearing aid(s) to fit better in your ear. However, if the feedback continues, make an appointment with your audiologist or an ENT to get it checked out. It could just be ear wax build up or you may need to adjust your ear mold.
Even with proper hearing aid fit and care — and good aural hygiene — you might still want a better experience with your hearing aids. Try using AudioCardio with your hearing aids as it can help with strengthening your hearing while still picking up the sounds in your everyday environment.
AudioCardio is a technology company focused on hearing health and wellness. Learn how AudioCardio can help maintain and strengthen your hearing with your favorite headphones or hearing aids at www.audiocardio.com.
