It can be unsettling when one hearing aid suddenly sounds quieter, harsher, or less clear than its partner. Hearing aids are designed to amplify sound in a way that feels natural, so a difference you notice between them should be examined.
At Excel Audiology, Jason Rickman, Au.D., FAAA, CCC-A, and Carol Anne Ford, Au.D., CCC-A, evaluate hearing and devices for patients at our Wilmington and Southport offices to determine whether the difference comes from maintenance needs, programming, fit, or a change in their ears. Most patients can start troubleshooting at home, then seek professional care if the difference persists.
Does a Hearing Aid That Sounds Different Mean Something Is Wrong?
A hearing aid that sounds different from the other does not necessarily mean something is wrong, because each ear may have its own degree or pattern of hearing loss and need its own amount of amplification. 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.
Which Sound Changes Suggest a Problem With One Hearing Aid?
The sound changes that suggest a problem with one hearing aid include one side seeming louder or softer, tinny or distorted speech in one ear, and whistling, hissing, or cutting out in a single device. 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. Patients often report that:
- 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. Make a note of when the problem began and which situations make it most noticeable.
What Should You Check First When Your Hearing Aids Sound Unbalanced?
When your hearing aids sound unbalanced, check power and mute settings first, then the listening program, volume, battery or charge, placement, 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 Jason Rickman or Carol Anne Ford if basic checks don’t resolve the difference.
How Do Our Wilmington Audiologists Evaluate an Uneven Hearing Aid?
Our audiologists in Wilmington and Southport evaluate an uneven hearing aid by examining your hearing aids and your ears separately. 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. 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 that may call for hearing aid repair.
What Routine Keeps Both Hearing Aids Sounding Dependable?
A routine of daily cleaning, separate filter checks, and regular follow-up visits keeps both hearing aids sounding dependable, even if 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. Between visits, our free professional hearing aid cleaning is available at both offices. The aim is dependable performance tailored to your hearing needs.
Book a Hearing Aid Evaluation at Excel Audiology
If your hearing aids sound uneven, Jason Rickman, Au.D., or Carol Anne Ford, Au.D., can 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 our Wilmington office at 910-399-3075 or our Southport office at 910-387-9015, or request an appointment with Excel Audiology.
