Is Your Device Faulty? Signs You May Need A New Hearing Aid

Posted on: 25 April 2022

If you have trouble hearing, it might be time for a new hearing aid. Hearing aids are technological devices—and like all technology, they can sometimes develop problems.

Here are three signs that your hearing aid may be faulty and in need of repair.

Sound Distortion

Sound distortion can manifest itself in many ways, such as a buzzing noise, static, or even echoing. When you speak into a hearing aid, the sound waves travel through the microphone, where they are converted into electrical signals. These signals are then amplified by the hearing aid and sent to the ear through the speaker. The amplified sound waves can cause the speaker to vibrate, which can create distortion.

Additionally, the hearing aid may add noise to the amplified sound, which can also contribute to distortion. In some cases, the device can also boost high-frequency sounds more than low-frequency sounds. This can make it difficult for you to understand speech, as high-frequency sounds are typically associated with consonants.

All of these factors can contribute to sound distortion in a hearing aid. So if you notice any type of sound distortion coming from your hearing aid, it's time to get it checked out by a professional.

Feedback (Whistling)

Feedback is the high-pitched whistling noise you can sometimes hear when using a hearing aid. It occurs when sound waves from the hearing aid's microphone are amplified by the speaker and then picked up again by the microphone. This creates a loop that amplifies the sound even more, causing the feedback noise.

Feedback can happen for many reasons, such as a loose-fitting earmold or a damaged speaker. In some cases, feedback can also be caused by earwax buildup in the ear canal.

There are a few ways to reduce or eliminate feedback. You can first make sure you fit the hearing aid properly and adjust the volume. In some cases, switching to a different type of hearing aid can also help.

If that's not an option, or you're unsure what might be causing your feedback problem, consult a qualified hearing aid repair expert for help. Feedback is not only annoying, but it can also cause pain and even worsen your hearing if left unchecked.

Device Doesn't Turn On

If your hearing aid is not turning on, you might have a dead battery, a problem with the hearing aid's circuitry, or even moisture damage. Moisture damage can cause all sorts of problems, such as corrosion and short-circuiting.

If you suspect the issue is a dead battery, try replacing the battery. If that doesn't work, then there may be an issue with the hearing aid's circuitry. In this case, you'll need to reach out to a hearing aid repair specialist for further diagnosis.

For more info, contact a local hearing aid repair professional. 

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