Why a Hearing Aid Makes Static Noise
Wearing a hearing aid can make all the difference to a person with hearing loss enjoying daily life. But what if the hearing aid is producing static noise? Hearing aids reproduce or amplify sound using digital processes, but sometimes they can produce static noises that are uncomfortable to the wearer for a variety of reasons. Here is a closer look at some of the most common culprits.
Static Noise
First, it is useful to know precisely what static noise is and how to identify it as a problem in a hearing aid. Static noise is a frequency of electromagnetic or thermal sound that some hearing aids can pick up, and it is worth keeping in mind that it may be the case that there is nothing wrong with your hearing aid at all. It could be they are picking up external noises of a certain frequency. The average home has many appliances capable of producing static noise, such as electrical fittings, radios or Wi-Fi routers. If the problem isn’t resolved by moving to a different room or outside of the house or apartment, it is worth investigating further.
Battery Life
One of the easiest things you can check when you are trying to identify the reasons behind static noise in your hearing aid is the batteries. Clean the battery compartment and dust all the contact points, then replace the old batteries with new ones. You should also make sure you are using the correct batteries for your hearing aid; if you are unsure, you can ask your hearing aid technician.
Moisture
One of the best pieces of advice about wearing hearing aids is to avoid using them in situations where they may become damp. For example, it is easy to forget your hearing aids if you are caught outside between rain showers; respecting how sensitive your hearing aids are to moisture can make a big difference to their overall performance. It might just be that the static noise is the result of moisture getting into the hearing aid. In this case, try removing the batteries and leaving your hearing aid to air out for a few hours or overnight in a dry place, such as a warm airing cabinet, making sure you place them in an open box to avoid the risk of loss or damage.
Your Clothing
If it is on the chilly side, you may have decided to wear a hat or a scarf over your ears. Fabrics can interfere with the sound waves or even move your hearing aid in your ear, which could lead to unwanted feedback or noise. Try removing your hat to see if this solves the problem.
Sound Too High?
Perhaps you have come from a noisy environment to a quieter one and forgotten to adjust the volume. But if you are constantly having to alter the volume on your hearing aid, it is time to consider a trip back to the audiologist to check that your hearing aid is correctly adjusted for you.
Clean Ears?
Maybe there is some wax in your ears interfering with your hearing aid and producing unwanted noise. Check your hearing aid over for signs of residue, and give it a thorough cleaning if necessary with a hearing aid kit such as this InnerScope Hearing CareTechnology Hearing Aid Cleaning Kit.
Exterior Sounds
It could be that your hearing aid is working very well and you are just benefiting by having access to sounds that you have long forgotten about. Try asking friends or family around you if they are hearing a similar static noise. Perhaps what you are hearing is the regular hum of a refrigerator or the hiss of an overhead fluorescent light that is giving out a static noise.
Defective Hearing Aid
Of course, it could also be the case that a component in the hearing aid itself has failed. Hearing aids pack a lot of technology into a small area and can be susceptible to damage. It is a good idea to have your hearing aids regularly checked to make sure they are performing at their optimum level for your hearing. Your audiologist will be able to check to see if they need replaced or if they can be repaired. It may turn out that only one hearing aid is affected.
Caring for your hearing aids will keep them in optimum condition, but sometimes they need a bit of assistance to avoid common problems such as static noise.
