Most people expect a pair of hearing aids to sound like a matched set, so it can be unsettling when one side seems quieter, sharper, or less clear. Hearing aids are designed to amplify sound in a way that feels natural, and a difference you notice between them should be examined.
At New River Valley Hearing & Balance, audiologist Joanne F. Dillon, M.S., CCC-A, FAAA, evaluates hearing and devices for patients across the New River Valley to 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 Radford or Floyd office if the difference persists.
Should Two Hearing Aids Sound Exactly Alike?
Two hearing aids do not always need to sound exactly alike, because your ears may have different degrees or patterns of hearing loss, and each device may be set for 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 Can Sound Quality Shift in Just One Hearing Aid?
Sound quality can shift in just one hearing aid in several ways, from quieter or muffled speech to whistling, crackling, or sound that cuts 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 Checks Help When One Hearing Aid Seems Uneven?
The home checks that help most when one hearing aid seems uneven cover its power, mute setting, program, volume, battery or charge, placement, and 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. Schedule an appointment with Joanne Dillon if basic checks don’t resolve the difference.
How Does an Audiologist in Radford or Floyd Pinpoint the Problem?
An audiologist in Radford or Floyd pinpoints the problem by evaluating your hearing aids and your ears separately. Joanne Dillon 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, and professional ear cleaning can clear buildup if wax is the cause. Updated hearing tests 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, and many repairs, such as replacing domes, tubes, or filters, can be handled in the office.
How Can You Keep Both Hearing Aids Sounding Steady Over Time?
Steady performance from both hearing aids comes from a short daily cleaning, a filter check on each side, and regular follow-up appointments, even when the two devices 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 Both Hearing Aids Back in Balance at Our Radford or Floyd Office
If your hearing aids sound uneven, a hearing aid evaluation with Joanne Dillon, M.S., can show 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.
Our offices on West Main Street in Radford and Floyd Highway South in Floyd share one number, 540-731-4327. Call today or reach us online to schedule.
