4 Reasons Why Your Hearing Aids Aren't Working Properly

18 August 2015
 Categories: Health & Medical , Blog


If you have hearing aids but are suddenly having difficulty hearing as well as you used to, it could be from a few different problems. By identifying the problem, you can find the best solution for fixing it. Here are some common reasons why hearing aids fail.

The Hearing Aids Are Not Clean

Your hearing aids need to be cleaned and well taken care of in order to work properly. If they start failing, the first thing you should do is remove them and check them for build-up of wax. If you see wax or other debris clogging the hearing aids, remove it gently. You can also change the ear wax guard if your hearing aids have them. In the future, try to avoid wearing hairspray and similar hair products that can also cause damage to the hearing devices. When you are cleaning the hearing aids, inspect them for any signs of damage.

The Mold Isn't Fitting Properly

If you turn your hearing aid on and you hear a whistling or squeaking sound coming from it, it is likely due to the mold. The mold should be sitting snugly inside your ear. When it is loose or moves out of the way slightly, it can cause sound to escape through it, which results in hearing a whistling sound. It not only deflects from how well you can hear noises, but it can also be very annoying. Try adjusting the mold to fit better inside your ear. If you have earwax in your ear, that might need to be removed as it could keep the mold from sitting correctly.

You Need a Custom Fit

Aside from the mold piece being loose, the entire hearing aid might be the wrong size for you. Some people are on a limited budget when they get hearing aids, so they get one that seems the right size, but isn't custom-made. If you are having problems with your hearing aid, it might be time to get one custom made to fit you perfectly.

Your Hearing Loss Has Gotten Worse

It is also possible that since the last time you had your hearing checked, the hearing loss has gotten worse. Even with hearing aids, you should keep going back to your audiologist and have your hearing checked. Try to do this at least once a year or more often if you find that you keep having to adjust the hearing aids. In fact, when your hearing aids stop working properly, a visit to the doctor for a hearing test should be one of the first things you do. You might need new hearing aids that help with your level of hearing loss, or simply need them adjusted.

If you are still having problems with your hearing aid, visit health professionals, like those at Otolaryngology Plastic Surgery Associates PC, for more information and help. 


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