Hearing Aid Not Loud Enough? How to Increase Volume

If your hearing aid does not seem loud enough anymore, you are not alone. This is one of the most frequent complaints hearing aid users bring to their audiologist. The issue can range from a simple blockage to a change in your hearing that requires reprogramming. Let us walk through the most common causes and solutions.

Common Reasons Your Hearing Aid Seems Quiet

Earwax Blockage

Earwax is the most common culprit when a hearing aid seems quieter than usual. Wax can block the sound outlet, the wax guard, or even accumulate in your ear canal and prevent sound from reaching your eardrum. Check the sound outlet for visible wax and clean it with the brush or pick tool provided with your hearing aid. Replace the wax guard if it appears clogged.

Low or Dead Battery

As batteries lose charge, the hearing aid gradually becomes quieter before eventually shutting off. If you are using disposable batteries, try a fresh one. For rechargeable hearing aids, make sure the device is fully charged. A full charge should last 18-24 hours of continuous use.

Your Hearing Has Changed

Hearing loss can progress gradually over time. If your hearing aid was programmed a year or more ago, your hearing may have changed enough that the current settings no longer provide adequate amplification. A new hearing test will determine if your audiogram has changed and if reprogramming is needed.

Moisture Damage

Pakistan's humid climate can cause moisture to accumulate inside your hearing aid, dampening the speaker and microphone performance. Using a hearing aid dryer or dehumidifier overnight can resolve this issue. Silica gel packets stored with your hearing aid also help absorb excess moisture.

How to Increase Your Hearing Aid Volume

Try these steps in order to resolve the volume issue:

• Step 1: Clean the hearing aid thoroughly, paying special attention to the sound outlet and microphone ports.
• Step 2: Replace the battery or fully charge your rechargeable device.
• Step 3: Replace the wax guard with a new one from your maintenance kit.
• Step 4: Check that the volume is set to maximum using the button on the hearing aid or the Signia app.
• Step 5: Ensure the dome or ear mold is properly seated in your ear canal for a good seal.
• Step 6: Try your hearing aid in a quiet room to confirm whether the issue is low volume or difficulty hearing in noise.

When You Need Professional Help

If none of the above steps resolve the problem, it is time to visit your audiologist. Professional solutions include:

• Reprogramming: Your audiologist can adjust the gain settings using Signia's Connexx software to provide more amplification where you need it.
• New Audiogram: An updated hearing test reveals whether your hearing loss has progressed and requires new settings.
• Receiver Replacement: In RIC hearing aids, the receiver may need replacement if it has been damaged by moisture or earwax.
• Upgrading Models: If your current hearing aid has reached its maximum output and still is not loud enough, you may need a more powerful model. BTE hearing aids with Super Power or Ultra Power output can handle severe to profound hearing loss.

Preventing Volume Issues

Regular maintenance prevents most volume problems. Clean your hearing aid daily. Store it in a dry, cool place when not in use. Replace wax guards monthly. Schedule professional cleaning and check-ups every 3-6 months. And get your hearing tested annually so your hearing aid settings stay matched to your current hearing levels.

If you are experiencing ongoing volume issues with your hearing aid, our team can help diagnose the problem and recommend the best solution, whether that is a simple cleaning, reprogramming, or an upgrade to a more powerful Signia hearing aid.