Signs That You Are Wearing an Ill-fitting Hearing Aid

After being diagnosed with hearing loss, your ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist will usually discuss the use of hearing aids with you.

A hearing aid is an electronic device that improves your hearing by amplifying sounds. Wearing an ill-fitting hearing aid, on the other hand, can make matters worse, not better! You wear your hearing aids every day and know how important they are in helping you with daily and even minor activities, so it is essential that the hearing aids you use are as perfect and fitted to your needs as possible.

Getting a Hearing Aid Fitted

You choose a hearing aid that meets your specific needs at a hearing aid fitting, and your ENT customizes it for you. Before you can be fitted for hearing aids, they must first perform an ear exam and a hearing test. The test doesn’t take long, so your ENT can do it at the same time as the fitting.

During the fitting, your ENT will assist you in selecting the best type of hearing aid for your hearing loss and lifestyle. Then, when you’ve decided on the best hearing aids for your needs, your doctor will physically fit them into your ear.

Why Does Fit Matter?

A hearing aid is a powerful device that your ENT will customize to fit your ear. The size and shape of the device can be customized in various ways. However, your hearing aid must be perfectly suited to provide the best comfort and sound quality.

There is no one-size-fits-all hearing aid. Different body types will benefit from different shapes and sizes. For example, some people may prefer a small round behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid to a large BTE or in-the-canal hearing aid (ITC). Others may prefer an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid with a custom earmold.

Whatever type or style you prefer, knowing if the hearing aid you’ve chosen is the right fit for you is critical. Here are six indicators that you are wearing an improperly fitted hearing aid.

How to Tell If Your Hearing Aid Doesn’t Fit Properly

Fortunately, your ENT will always ensure that your hearing aids are correctly fitted and adjusted until you are completely satisfied. Keep in mind that if this is your first-time wearing hearing aids, you may encounter some common problems. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s possible that your hearing aid isn’t fitting correctly.

You Receive Feedback

Feedback is a sound produced when the microphones in hearing aids pick up their own amplified sound and re-amplify it in an infinite loop. As a result, the hearing aid makes whistling, chirping or other unpleasant sounds. This can occur if your hearing aid is too close to your ear or if the volume on your hearing aid is too high.

You Have Trouble Coordinating Sound and Movement

If you can’t hear well in noisy environments, it could be due to an improperly fitted hearing aid. The best way to avoid this issue is to have an ENT fit your hearing aid and teach you how to use it properly.

You Notice a Buildup of Earwax Behind or Around the device

Earwax buildup can cause discomfort, which can lead to people taking their hearing aids off more often than they should, leading to additional problems like experiencing feedback and not being able to wear them for long periods without complications.

You Can’t Wear the Device All Day Without Irritation

It is normal to experience irritation when using new hearing aids for the first few days. However, any discomfort that lasts longer than a few days may indicate a problem, and it’s best to consult an ENT doctor to resolve any issues.

You Have Pain in the Area Where the Hearing Aid Is Worn

This could indicate that the hearing aid is pressing against nerves or bones in these areas and needs to be adjusted or replaced.

You’re Having Problems with the Volume

Numerous people with hearing aids complain that the sound is either too loud or too soft for them to hear. It takes a few days to adjust to the higher volume of their hearing aids; however, if you still have volume problems with your hearing aids after a few days, the device may need to be reprogrammed.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, you must return to your ear, nose and throat doctor so that they can correct the problem. They may adjust the position of the hearing aid in some cases. If this doesn’t work, they may have to fit you for a different size. The correct size and fit of your hearing aids are critical for effective treatment!

To learn more about ENT Physicians Inc. and the services we provide, call us today at (419) 318-4987.