When one hearing aid suddenly seems quieter, sharper, or fuzzier than its partner, it’s natural to wonder whether something has broken. Hearing aids are designed to amplify sound in a way that feels natural, so a difference between the two should be examined.
At Nashoba Valley Hearing, Sarah Linskey, Au.D., can evaluate your hearing and devices to determine whether the difference comes from maintenance needs, programming, fit, or a change in your ears. Most patients can start troubleshooting at home, then seek professional care at our Groton, Marlborough, or Bedford office if the difference persists.
Is Uneven Sound Sometimes Built Into Your Hearing Aid Settings?
Uneven sound is sometimes built into your hearing aid settings on purpose, because your ears may have different degrees or patterns of hearing loss and each device gives its ear the amplification it needs. A difference between hearing aids does not automatically mean one is broken. 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 Signs Show One Hearing Aid Isn’t Performing Like the Other?
Signs that one hearing aid isn’t performing like the other include a side that seems louder or softer, speech that turns muffled or distorted in one ear, and a device that whistles, crackles, or 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 that calls for hearing aid repair. 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 At-Home Checks Can Even Out Hearing Aid Volume?
The at-home checks that can even out hearing aid volume are confirming power and mute status, reviewing the program and volume settings, refreshing the battery or charge, reseating each aid, and clearing a blocked wax filter. Start in a quiet room and check 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 Sarah Linskey if basic checks don’t resolve the difference.
How Does Sarah Linskey, Au.D., Diagnose Uneven Hearing Aid Sound?
Sarah Linskey diagnoses uneven hearing aid sound by evaluating your hearing aids and your ears separately, then comparing what she finds. 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.
An ear examination can identify wax or other concerns that may interfere with hearing, and professional ear cleaning can clear wax that is part of the problem. An updated hearing test can compare each ear’s sensitivity and speech understanding with previous results. Middle ear testing or referral to an ENT may be appropriate when findings suggest a medical issue.
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.
What Routine Keeps Both Hearing Aids Working Reliably?
A routine of daily wiping, individual filter checks, and regular follow-up appointments keeps both hearing aids working reliably, even when their settings stay different. 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.
Book an Uneven Hearing Aid Visit at Nashoba Valley Hearing
If your hearing aids sound uneven, Sarah Linskey can help determine whether the next step is maintenance, adjustments, repair, or further hearing assessment. Bring both hearing aids, your charger (if charging is a concern), and notes on when the difference occurs.
Call 978-320-3365 for our Groton, Marlborough, or Bedford office, or request a visit through our contact page.
