When voices seem stronger on one side or one hearing aid sounds flat, it’s easy to assume something is broken. Hearing aids are designed to amplify sound in a way that feels natural, so a difference you notice between them should be examined, even if it turns out to be a simple fix.
At Burleson Audiology Clinic, Heather Dean, Au.D., FAAA, CCC-A, CH-TM, and Erin Washburn, Au.D., FAAA, 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 seek professional care if the difference persists.
Can Hearing Aids Sound Different on Purpose if Both Work Fine?
Hearing aids can sound different on purpose even when both work fine, because your ears may have different degrees or patterns of hearing loss that need different amounts 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.
Which Sound Quality Changes Are Worth Writing Down?
The sound quality changes worth writing down are any shifts in loudness, clarity, or noise on one side, along with when they happen. 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 Simple Fixes Should You Try When Volume Seems Uneven?
When volume seems uneven, try simple fixes first: confirm power and mute settings, the listening program, the battery or charge, placement, and a clear 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, the ones set at your hearing aid fitting or last adjustment, 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 Heather Dean or Erin Washburn if basic checks don’t resolve the difference.
What Do Our Burleson Audiologists Check if One Hearing Aid Seems Off?
If one hearing aid seems off, our Burleson audiologists check both the 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. 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 can be handled on-site.
What Upkeep Keeps Both Hearing Aids Performing Consistently?
The upkeep that keeps both hearing aids performing consistently is daily cleaning, checking each filter separately, 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 Evaluation at Burleson Audiology Clinic
An uneven pair of hearing aids can make every conversation more work than it should be. Schedule an evaluation with Heather Dean, Au.D., or Erin Washburn, Au.D., and bring both hearing aids, your charger (if charging is a concern), and notes on when the difference occurs. We can determine whether the next step is maintenance, adjustments, repair, or further hearing assessment.
Call or text 817-592-9632 or send us a message to book a visit at our Ellison Street office in Burleson, TX.