According to a study published in the International Journal of Audiology, “The majority (80%) of adults aged 55–74 years who would benefit from a hearing aid, do not use them. Furthermore, many people given a hearing aid do not wear it.” The researchers hypothesize this may have to do with physical discomfort or poor sound quality, both of which can be attributed to poor fit. Fortunately, this can be fixed.
We review the signs your hearing aid doesn’t fit properly below.
Your Hearing Aid Causes Discomfort or Pain
When you first start wearing a hearing aid, you may be constantly aware that it’s there, but this feeling should go away within the first few days or weeks. If you’re still feeling your hearing aid sitting in or on your ear after this time period, or if you experience discomfort or pain when you’re wearing it, this is a good sign it needs to be re-fit.
Your Hearing Aid Doesn’t Stay in Place
Unless you are exercising rigorously at Big Work Fitness, you shouldn’t have to worry about your hearing aid falling out or off. If your hearing aid isn’t staying in place, this is another sign the fit is poor and needs to be adjusted.
Sound Quality Is Poor
Hearing aids that don’t fit well can create a plugged-up feeling in the ear that makes it difficult to hear. It can also result in distorted sound.
You Experience Feedback or Whistling
Feedback refers to the sound that is produced when the microphone of your hearing aid picks up its own amplified sounds and reamplifies it, creating a loop. The result is a whistling or screeching sound. This sometimes occurs if your hearing aid is too close to your ear.
You Have a Buildup of Earwax Behind or Around Your Hearing Aid
Normally, earwax works its way out of the ear through natural jaw movements when talking, chewing and yawning. A hearing aid that is poorly fit can fully block the ear canal, causing the earwax to build up and further contributing to other problems.
If You Experience These Problems…
If you experience any of the problems described above, you likely have a hearing aid with a poor fit. Visit an audiologist at Charleston ENT & Allergy to get this problem addressed so you can get back to hearing your best.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Charleston ENT & Allergy today.