A study published in the International Journal of Audiology states that, “The primary clinical management intervention for people with hearing loss is hearing aids, however, the majority (80%) of adults aged 55–74 years who would benefit from a hearing aid, do not use them.”
The researchers of this study found that, “A number of reasons were given, including hearing aid value, fit and comfort and maintenance of the hearing aid, attitude, device factors, financial reasons, psycho-social/situational factors, healthcare professionals’ attitudes, ear problems, and appearance.”
In this post, we focus on the signs your hearing aid doesn’t fit properly and what you can do about it.
Feedback
Feedback refers to that whistling or screeching sound your hearing aids produce when they pick up their own amplified sound and re-amplify it in a loop. This is a common sign of poor fit.
To eliminate feedback, you should first try turning down the volume on your hearing aids. If that doesn’t work, check to make sure your device is on or in your ear properly. If you’re still experiencing feedback, see an audiologist.
Poor Sound Quality
Sounds should be clear when wearing your hearing aids. If it seems like your ears are plugged up or if sounds are too loud or soft, this could be the sign of a poor fit.
Your audiologist can check the fit of your devices and adjust the programming if necessary.
Sore Ears
When you first start wearing hearing aids, you may be constantly aware they’re there for a while. However, after a couple weeks, they shouldn’t be noticeable anymore. If you’re experiencing sore ears or any level of pain, this is another sign of a poor fit.
If you have sore ears, visit your audiologist. They can take another impression of your ear and order new earmolds that fit better.
Falling Out
Your hearing aids should stay comfortably in your ears in most cases, except maybe if you’re doing a vigorous workout at Big Tex Gym on Cedar Bend Drive. If your hearing aids are falling out, it could be because they’re too large and not going in all the way or too small to stay in place.
Again, your audiologist can take a new mold of your ears and order the correct size if this is a problem. For more information or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, call River ENT today.
