Hearing aids are complex electronic devices that are used to help many of the more than 48 million Americans with hearing loss. Like most devices, after years of daily use they could use a bit of a tune up. One of the most common issues users experience is that their hearing aids sound like they are not loud enough. Below is a look at the reasons why this may happen.
The Importance of a Well-Fit Hearing Aid
Hearing aids help those living with hearing loss connect with the hearing world around them. Problems relating to hearing aid management were most often deemed to have the greatest impact on hearing aid success and be the most preventable/solvable.
While there are numerous types and styles of hearing aids, they all work by amplifying sounds through a three-part system:
- The microphone picks up sounds from your environment and converts the sound waves into a digital signal.
- The amplifier increases the strength of the digital signal.
- The speaker produces the amplified sound into the ear.
Troubleshooting Steps
One of the most common hearing aid complaints we hear at Hearing Advancement Center is that the patient’s hearing aids are not loud enough. Before scheduling an appointment to come down to the office, follow these steps.
Turn Up the Volume
Sometimes the simplest solution is best. If your hearing aids sound too soft, check to see if their volume setting has been accidentally adjusted. This can be done through the application on your smartphone, your Bluetooth-connected remote or with the control wheel on your actual device. You should be able to hear the volume change as you adjust.
Visually Inspect Your Hearing Aid
Your hearing aids are exposed to dirt, debris and earwax from spending all day in your ears. The next thing you should do when your hearing aids are not sounding their best is to look the devices over to see if there is any earwax blocking the microphone or speaker.
If you use behind-the-ear or receiver-in-the-ear style hearing aids, you should inspect the earmold, tubing and wiring. Any cracks, blockages or buildup of moisture can impact how the sound is transferred within the device.
Switch Programs
Newer hearing aids come preprogrammed with several programs to help you hear better in a variety of listening environments. Carrying on a conversation in your living room requires a different setting than meeting a few friends for coffee at Purple Cafe and Wine Bar or other restaurants with a lot of background noise.
If you follow these steps and your hearing aids still sound too soft, your hearing may have changed over time. Your hearing aids can be easily reprogrammed to fit your new degree of hearing loss as determined by a hearing exam.
To learn more about hearing aids or to schedule an appointment for a hearing test, contact Hearing Advancement Center today.
