You put both hearing aids in, and one side just doesn’t sound right. 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 SoundEar Audiology, a downtown Saskatoon clinic on 2nd Avenue North, audiologist Puru Ganesan, BSc., MASLP Aud (C), 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 book a visit if the difference persists.
Does Each Ear Get Its Own Settings at a Hearing Aid Fitting?
Each ear can get its own settings at a hearing aid fitting, because your ears may have different degrees or patterns of hearing loss and need different amounts 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 Words Best Describe What You’re Hearing on One Side?
Words like louder, softer, muffled, tinny, hollow, whistling, or cutting out best describe what you’re hearing on one side, and choosing the right ones helps narrow down the possible cause. Pay attention to whether the difference 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 Safe Checks Can Bring One Hearing Aid Back Into Balance?
Safe checks that may bring one hearing aid back into balance include confirming it is on and unmuted, reviewing the program and volume, recharging or replacing the battery, reseating it, and inspecting the 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. Book an appointment with Puru if basic checks don’t resolve the difference.
Could Earwax Be the Real Problem for Saskatoon Hearing Aid Wearers?
Earwax can be the real problem for Saskatoon hearing aid wearers, which is why an assessment with Puru Ganesan includes an ear examination along with separate checks of each hearing aid. 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 assessment 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.
Is a Daily Wipe Enough to Keep Hearing Aid Sound Quality Even?
A daily wipe is a good start, but keeping hearing aid sound quality even also takes individual filter checks and regular follow-up appointments, even if the two aids keep different settings. 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.
Get Uneven Hearing Aid Sound Assessed by Puru Ganesan in Saskatoon
If your hearing aids still sound uneven, Puru 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 or text 306-994-8123 or reach SoundEar Audiology online to book an appointment.