Why Does my Hearing Aid Sound Muffled?

Happy mature middle aged adult woman wearing hearing aids waving hand holding digital tablet computer video conference calling by social distance virtual family online chat meeting sitting on couch at home

You’ve been anticipating this all week: a Zoom call with your grandchildren. You’ll be able to get caught up, check-in, and, laugh.

But when the call starts, you are horrified to realize, you can’t hear what your loved ones are saying. You’re wearing your hearing aids but you still can’t hear anything.

You can’t believe how discouraged you are.

Modern marvels muffled

It’s well recognized that you can achieve crystal clear sound with modern hearing aids. That’s why it can be really, really frustrating when that doesn’t happen. You’re supposed to have clearer hearing when you’re using hearing aids, right? But your hearing aids aren’t improving your hearing. Actually, they’re making everything sound muffled. The problem might not be the hearing aid at all.

What’s causing that muffling?

Ok, so, if the hearing aid is working properly, why does everyone sound like Charlie Brown’s teacher? Well, there are a few things you can do to try to fix the issue.

Earwax

You’d be rich if you had a dime for every time earwax caused trouble. The problem with your hearing aid may be a build-up of earwax against the microphone. The earwax impedes your hearing aid’s ability to detect sound and, as a result, the amplification is muffled.

Here are some signs that earwax could be the issue.:

  • Turning the hearing aid on. If the start-up music and dings all sound fine, but speech is later muffled, the problem is likely with the microphone and not the speaker (and wax is the most likely culprit).
  • Doing a visual inspection. In other words, take a good look at the hearing aid before you put it in your ear. If you see earwax, try to remove it.

Conversely, it’s possible that earwax in your ear and not on the hearing aid is the issue here. Be sure, in those instances, you safely clean out your ears (cotton swabs are not recommended). The troubleshooting will need to continue if the muffled sound persists even after you’ve cleaned your ears and your hearing aid.

Infection

So, if earwax isn’t the issue, the next likely culprit will be an infection. Sometimes, this could be a common ear infection. Or it may be an inner ear infection. In both instances, a hearing evaluation is recommended.

Ear infections of several kinds and causes can produce swelling in your ear canal or middle ear. This inflammation blocks the transmission of sound and, therefore, your hearing is muffled. Management might include some antibiotics. When the infection has cleared, your hearing will usually return to normal.

Batteries

You just need to replace your battery. As hearing aids drain, they sometimes begin to sound, well, muffled (you can see why this would be something to check). Even if you have rechargeable batteries this can be true. Sometimes, switching out the batteries with fresh ones can make your hearing aids sound crystal clear again.

Hearing loss

If you’re still having trouble hearing, don’t ignore the possibility that your hearing loss has changed. If you haven’t had a hearing exam in the last year or so, think about making an appointment. Not only will you be able to be certain your hearing aids are properly programmed, but we will also be able to do a professional clean and check on your device.

Don’t let it linger

It’s certainly a smart plan to come see us for a consultation if you’ve tried all this and your hearing aid still sounds muffled. You may find yourself leaving your hearing aids in a drawer and cranking your TV up again if you don’t eliminate this muffling problem. And all of that could start renewed hearing damage.

So, don’t let it linger. Make an appointment with us so you can get back to hearing before that big family get-together. You’ll have more fun if you can actually hear what everyone is saying!

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.

Questions?

    Beach Audiology

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