You may notice it first in conversation: voices seem fuller in one ear than the other, or one device crackles while its partner stays quiet. Hearing aids are designed to amplify sound in a way that feels natural, so a difference like this should be examined.
In Port Elgin, audiologist Reeti Sandhu, Au.D., Reg. CASLPO – CCC-A, and hearing instrument specialist Lynsie Wilson, REG. AHIP, 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 turn to Port Elgin Audiology if the difference persists.
Does Uneven Sound Mean One Hearing Aid Is Faulty?
Uneven sound doesn’t automatically mean one hearing aid is faulty, since each ear may have its own degree or pattern of hearing loss and 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.
How Might a Hearing Aid Sound Change on Just One Side?
A hearing aid can change on just one side in loudness, clarity, or steadiness, from softer speech to whistling or brief dropouts. Describing the difference clearly helps narrow down the possible cause. Notice 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. Jot down when the problem began and which situations make it most noticeable.
Which Home Checks Should Saugeen Shores Wearers Run First?
Saugeen Shores wearers should first confirm power and mute status, the listening program and volume, the battery or charge, placement in the correct ear, and a clear 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. Book a visit with Reeti Sandhu or Lynsie Wilson if basic checks don’t resolve the difference.
How Does Our Team Find the Source of Uneven Hearing Aid Sound?
Our hearing care team finds the source of uneven hearing aid sound by evaluating your devices and your ears separately. The visit typically begins with questions about the 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 with Reeti Sandhu can identify wax or other concerns that may interfere with hearing. Updated hearing testing can compare each ear’s sensitivity and speech understanding with previous results. Middle ear testing or referral to an ENT specialist 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. If a device needs work, we can repair most hearing aid types or send it to the manufacturer.
What Routine Keeps Both Hearing Aids Sounding Steady Between Visits?
A routine of daily wiping, separate filter checks, and regular follow-up visits keeps both hearing aids sounding steady, 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.
Even Out Your Hearing With Port Elgin Audiology
When your hearing aids sound uneven, Reeti Sandhu and Lynsie Wilson can help you learn 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 or text 226-794-5273 or send Port Elgin Audiology a message to schedule a hearing aid evaluation at our clinic inside Saugeen Shores Family Dentistry.
