You may first notice it in a quiet room: voices seem fuller on one side, or one hearing aid crackles while the other sounds clear. Hearing aids are designed to amplify sound in a way that feels natural, so if one sounds different or less clear than the other, it should be examined.
At The Hearing Place, audiologists Erin (Carter) Davis, M.Sc., R.Aud, Au.D., and Josie Andres, M.Cl.Sc., R.Aud., help patients across Calgary, AB, determine whether the difference comes from maintenance needs, programming, fit, or a change in their ears. Most patients can start troubleshooting at home, then visit our clinic if the difference persists.
Should Both Hearing Aids Sound Exactly the Same?
Both hearing aids do not need to sound exactly the same, because each ear can have its own degree or pattern of hearing loss and need a different 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 differ 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 Changes in Hearing Aid Sound Quality Should You Watch For?
The changes in hearing aid sound quality worth watching for include one side seeming softer, speech sounding muffled or tinny, whistling or crackling, and sound cutting out. 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. 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. Note when the problem began and which situations make it most noticeable.
Which Home Fixes Should You Try First if One Hearing Aid Fades?
If one hearing aid fades, first confirm it is on and unmuted, then check its program, volume, power, fit, and wax filter, one at a time. Start in a quiet room and change only one thing before testing again. 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 Erin Davis or Josie Andres if basic checks don’t resolve the difference.
How Do Our Calgary Audiologists Find the Cause of Uneven Sound?
Our Calgary audiologists find the cause of uneven sound by evaluating 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.
What Habits Keep Both Hearing Aids Performing Reliably?
The habits that keep both hearing aids performing reliably are a daily wipe, separate filter checks for each side, and regular follow-up visits, 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. The aim is dependable performance tailored to your hearing needs.
Schedule a Hearing Aid Sound Check at The Hearing Place
When one hearing aid stops matching the other, an evaluation can show whether the answer 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, and Erin Davis or Josie Andres will take it from there.
Call 403-454-3669 or send The Hearing Place a message to arrange a visit at our clinic in Northland Centre, Calgary, AB.