Why Are My Hearing Aids Making a Static Noise?
Hearing aids can be useful to the user, as long as they are functioning properly. Daily cleanings along with proper maintenance, play a crucial role in maximizing the benefits of your hearing aids. Occasionally, faint static noise may accompany amplified sounds, needing regular checks and adjustments by a qualified hearing aid specialist.
If you, or others around you, start to hear hearing aid static noise emanating from your hearing aids, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your hearing instrument specialist.
Hearing aids digitally reproduce or amplify sound, but in some cases, they create static noises that others can hear. This can make you feel uncomfortable while wearing your hearing aids.
What is The Hearing Aid Static Noise?
Hearing aid static noise originates from frequencies of electromagnetic or thermal sound, and they sometimes detect this noise. If you hear this noise, it doesn’t always indicate that your hearing aids require repair. It might indicate that they are harnessing external noises in specific frequencies. Most homes have appliances – such as radios and Wi-Fi routers – that can generate hearing aid static noise. If the static noise persists, even if you go into another room or leave your home, you may want to take a closer inspection.
Battery Lifespan
The batteries are one of the simplest things to check to pinpoint the source of static noise. Make sure to clear out the battery compartment in your hearing aids of dust, and switch out the old batteries with fresh ones.
Protection from Moisture
Just like any electronic device, you should shield hearing aids from anything that can cause dampness. Be cautious if you are near any body of water, caught in the rain, passing closely by a waterfall, or sweating profusely outdoors or during a workout. Static noise can occur if any moisture gets into your hearing aid. If they do become moist, remove the batteries if the devices use disposable batteries and let them dry out for a few hours or overnight. You may purchase a hearing aid dry kit to place them in. Or you can even submerge them in a container of dry, uncooked rice or desiccant packs.
Brushing up Against Clothing
If you wear a hat or scarf over your ears, the fabrics can meddle with the sound waves or possibly press up against your hearing aids. This can also cause feedback noise. Try to readjust or remove your hat or scarf and notice whether this resolves the issue.
Are Sounds Too High?
Did you forget to adjust your hearing aid’s volume when you went from a busy environment to a quiet and calmer one? If you frequently need to change the volume on your hearing aids, visit your hearing instrument specialist for an adjustment.
Impacted Earwax
If there’s too much earwax that is impacted inside your ears, this can tamper with your hearing aids and create static noise, or any undesirable noise. Your ears should be gently cleaned with a warm, wet cloth while bathing or showering. You should clean your hearing aids each day by using a soft cloth or a cleaning brush/loop and get a thorough cleaning from a professional every six months or less.
Noises from Your Environment
Maybe your hearing aids are fine, and the noises that you hear are coming from your environment. Ask others around you if they can also hear static noises. Normal sounds that come from a refrigerator humming or a fluorescent light may be producing static noise.
Is There a Problem with Your Hearing Aids?
The hearing aid itself may have an issue. Regular check-ups for your hearing health and hearing aid devices should be scheduled. Repairs can be made to your hearing aids in your provider’s office or they can be sent to the manufacturer, but if the problem persists, you may need new hearing aids altogether.
If you’ve ruled out the common and easy-to-fix problems, and need professional assistance, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing.