.png){kind=logo}
Hearing loss is common, affecting approximately 48 million people across the nation. Many people with hearing loss rely on hearing aids to communicate. These devices come in a variety of colors, sizes and styles, but despite looking different, they all have the same job: amplifying sounds to a level your ears can hear. But what do you do when your hearing aids aren’t as loud as they once were? We answer this question below.
How Do Hearing Aids Work?
Hearing aids are comprised of three main parts:
The microphone picks up sounds in your environment and amplifies them to a level the ears can detect.
The amplifier increases the strength of the sound signals to the exact specification your hearing loss requires.
The speaker transmits the amplified sound to your ears.
How Can I Troubleshoot Low Volume on My Hearing Aids?
Problems relating to hearing aid management are most often deemed to have the greatest impact on hearing aid success and be the most preventable/solvable. Once a problem has been identified, you should correct it as quickly as possible to avoid unnecessary downtime.
If your hearing aids aren’t amplifying sounds as much as you think they should be, try these tips:
Turn Up the Volume
It may be the case that the simplest solution is the correct one. The first thing you should do if your hearing aids seem too quiet is use the remote or the buttons on the devices themselves to adjust the volume. Even if you don’t remember turning them down, it may have happened accidentally.
Visually Inspect the Hearing Aid for Blockages
Look your hearing aids over to identify any areas that are being blocked by earwax or other debris. Pay special attention to the microphone and speaker. If you do find a blockage, remove it with your wax pick, wire loop or multitool.
If you wear a behind-the-ear (BTE) or receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid, you also need to inspect the tubing or wire. Cracks and moisture buildup can dampen the sound. If you do notice a problem, an audiologist can repair it for you.
Try a Different Program
Your hearing aids have different programs for different listening situations. What works well at home may not be adequate for a dinner at The Wheel Barrel. Play around with the different programs or ask an audiologist to create a new one for you.
Get a Hearing Test
Hearing loss is a progressive condition, meaning it worsens over time. If your hearing aids worked for you once but don’t anymore, it could be due to changes to your hearing. If it’s been a few years since your last hearing test, schedule another one right away.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Topeka ENT today.