It’s easy to assume something is broken when one hearing aid sounds louder, softer, or less clear than the other. Hearing aids are designed to amplify sound in a way that feels natural, so a difference between them should be examined, but it isn’t always a malfunction.
At Hearing Care Associates Inc., with offices in Janesville and Portage, WI, and Freeport, IL, John Dull, BC-HIS, and Travis Thomley, BC-HIS, both board certified in hearing instrument sciences, help clients determine whether the difference comes from maintenance needs, programming, fit, or a change in their hearing. Most clients can start troubleshooting at home, then seek professional care if the difference persists.
Is a Volume Difference Between Your Two Aids Cause for Concern?
A volume difference between your two aids is not automatically cause for concern, because your ears may have different degrees or patterns of hearing loss and each device may need a different amount of amplification. Ear canal shape and earpiece fit also affect the sound that reaches your eardrum.
The goal is comfortable, useful hearing across both ears. Matching the volume numbers or programming exactly may not achieve that goal. One ear may need more help with higher-pitched speech sounds, so the settings on that hearing aid may need to be different from the other.
However, a new or worsening imbalance deserves attention. Earwax, a blocked filter, moisture, or a damaged component may reduce output on one side. Hearing changes can also make settings that were previously appropriate feel uneven.
What Sound Quality Changes Should Clients Write Down?
Clients should write down sound quality changes such as one side seeming louder or softer, speech sounding muffled or tinny, whistling or crackling, and sound that cuts out. Describing the difference clearly helps narrow down the possible cause. Pay attention to whether it affects speech, your own voice, background noise, or streamed audio. Common experiences include:
- One side seems louder or softer during conversation.
- Speech sounds muffled, sharp, tinny, or distorted in one ear.
- Your own voice sounds hollow or unusually loud on one side.
- One device whistles, hisses, or crackles intermittently.
- Sound cuts out in one hearing aid.
- Phone calls or music sound uneven while everyday conversation sounds balanced.
Whistling may result from a poor fit, wax, or a device problem. A plugged-up sensation with your own voice may relate to how the earpiece seals the ear canal. Hissing may reflect amplified environmental sound or noise generated within the device.
These descriptions are clues, not diagnoses. A louder hearing aid doesn’t necessarily mean clearer speech, and two devices can sound different even when both work. Note when the problem began and which situations make it most noticeable.
Which Simple Checks Should Come First When One Hearing Aid Fades?
When one hearing aid fades, the first checks should be its power and mute status, listening program, volume, battery or charge, fit, and wax filter. Start in a quiet room and test one possible cause at a time before making further changes. Follow the instructions for your model:
- Confirm each hearing aid is on and has not been muted.
- Check the selected listening program and any separate volume controls.
- Recharge the affected device or replace its disposable battery if needed.
- Confirm each aid is in the correct ear and seated comfortably.
- Inspect the earpiece and wax filter for visible blockage.
- Clean accessible surfaces and replace approved parts as instructed.
Some controls change both aids together, while others adjust each side independently. Return to your prescribed starting settings if you accidentally changed them.
If the issue occurs only during streaming, compare it with normal conversation and follow your manufacturer’s connection troubleshooting. That distinction can help identify a wireless problem.
Avoid swapping hearing aids between ears as a home test. Settings and earpieces may differ by side. Don’t insert sharp objects into sound openings, force parts apart, or repeatedly increase volume to overcome muffled sound. Schedule an appointment with John Dull or Travis Thomley if basic checks don’t resolve the difference.
What Do John Dull and Travis Thomley Check When Sound Is Uneven?
When sound is uneven, John Dull and Travis Thomley check your hearing aids and your hearing separately, and they refer you for medical care if something points beyond the devices. The visit typically begins with questions about the sound difference, when it occurs, recent maintenance, and whether symptoms persist without the devices. Bring both hearing aids and describe any situations that consistently trigger the problem.
A look into the ear canal can reveal wax or other concerns that may interfere with hearing, and earwax management may help when wax is the cause. Updated hearing testing can compare each ear’s sensitivity and speech understanding with previous results. When findings suggest a medical issue, a referral to a physician or ENT specialist for an ear examination and middle ear testing may be appropriate.
Device checks may include inspecting microphones, speakers, filters, tubing, and earpieces. Testing in a hearing aid test box can measure output and identify performance problems. If your aid needs repair, ask about a loaner while it’s being fixed.
How Can Janesville, Portage, and Freeport Clients Keep Sound Steady?
Janesville, Portage, and Freeport clients can keep sound steady with daily cleaning, individual filter checks, and regular follow-up visits, even if the two hearing aids keep different settings. Wipe them daily with a soft, dry cloth and inspect each earpiece for buildup. Check filters individually; one may collect wax faster than the other.
Attend follow-up appointments and report recurring changes in sound or fit. Brief notes on when problems occur help us focus adjustments. The aim is dependable performance tailored to your hearing needs.
Schedule a Side-by-Side Sound Check at Hearing Care Associates Inc.
If your hearing aids sound uneven, John Dull and Travis Thomley can help you learn whether the next step is maintenance, adjustments, repair, or a referral for further medical evaluation. Bring both hearing aids, your charger (if charging is a concern), and notes on when the difference occurs.
Call or text our Janesville office at 608-752-3529, our Portage office at 608-747-5900, or our Freeport office at 815-239-0010, or contact Hearing Care Associates Inc. to schedule a hearing aid evaluation.
