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Hearing aids are tiny electronic devices that can help people with hearing loss to hear better. However, like any piece of technology, hearing aids can sometimes experience problems. Common hearing aid issues can range from feedback and buzzing noises to decreased sound quality and reduced battery life.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix these common hearing aid problems.
Hearing aids are invaluable tools for those with hearing loss, but problems can arise when they’re not producing any sound.
First, it’s important to check the battery and make sure that it is inserted correctly. If the battery is low or old, replace it with a fresh one. If the battery is good and inserted correctly, the next step is to check the hearing aid’s volume setting. Make sure that it’s turned up to an audible level.
If the hearing aid still isn’t producing sound, it could be a sign of an issue with the device itself. The first thing you need to do is to clean the hearing aid and make sure that it is free of any debris or wax buildup. If the hearing aid is still not producing sound, it could be a sign of a more serious problem.
If you suspect that your hearing aid is experiencing a hardware issue, it’s important to take it to a professional for repair.
Hearing aids that sound distorted can be a huge problem for many people. It can be difficult to hear and understand what people are saying when the sound quality is distorted, and this can impact communication and social interaction.
The first step is to check the microphone and receiver. Make sure they are both clean and free of dirt and debris. You can use a soft cloth to wipe them down gently if they are dirty.
The next step is to check the volume settings. Some hearing aids may have a volume control that is too high or too low. Try adjusting the volume to a comfortable level and see if the sound quality improves.
Another potential cause of distortion is feedback. This is when the sound from the hearing aid is amplified and then re-amplified, creating an echoing effect. To reduce feedback, try moving away from other sound sources, such as computers and televisions. You can also try using a directional microphone, which is designed to reduce feedback.
Finally, you may need to replace the hearing aid battery. Depending on the type of battery, it may need to be replaced every few months.
Hearing aids that produce feedback can be a nuisance for those with hearing impairments. Feedback occurs when sound waves are amplified by the hearing aid, travel back out of the ear, and are re-amplified by the hearing aid, resulting in a loud, high-pitched sound.
The first step is to check the fitting of the hearing aid. If the hearing aid is not properly fit, sound waves can leak out and be re-amplified, resulting in feedback. Make sure the hearing aid is snugly fitted, and the wax guard is installed, if applicable.
The next step is to adjust the volume of the hearing aid. If the volume is too high, sound waves can leak out of the ear and be re-amplified, causing feedback. Try turning the volume down slightly and see if that helps.
If the feedback persists, you may need to adjust the microphone. Most modern hearing aids have directional microphones that can be adjusted to help reduce feedback. Try pointing the microphone away from the ear or switching it to a different setting.
Finally, if the feedback persists, you may need to have the hearing aid serviced. There could be an issue with the hearing aid itself that is causing the feedback.
If you experience common hearing aid issues, such as feedback, distortion, or no sound at all, you can try some simple fixes, such as replacing the battery and cleaning the hearing aid. If these fixes do not work, you should contact your hearing clinic to diagnose and repair the issue.
Fraser Valley Beltone is a trusted hearing clinic in Langley and Abbotsford that can perform tests and provide you with hearing aids. Schedule an appointment today, so we can check your hearing!