Most people expect their two hearing aids to sound like a matched pair, so a side that suddenly seems quieter or fuzzier can be unsettling. Hearing aids are designed to amplify sound in a way that feels natural, and if one sounds different or less clear than the other, it should be examined.
At our High Point and Kernersville offices, audiologists Michelle Novakovich, Au.D., and Karen Sikes, Au.D., work alongside hearing instrument specialist Jessica Hepfner, HIS, to help High Point Audiological patients determine whether the difference comes from maintenance needs, programming, fit, or a change in their ears. Most patients can start troubleshooting at home, then seek professional care if the difference persists.
Should You Worry if One Hearing Aid Sounds Different?
You don’t need to worry right away if one hearing aid sounds different, because each ear may have its own degree or pattern of hearing loss and need its own 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 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.
What Uneven Sound Problems Do Hearing Aid Wearers Describe?
Hearing aid wearers most often describe uneven sound as one side being louder or softer, speech sounding muffled or tinny in one ear, or one device whistling or 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.
What Steps Can You Take at Home to Even Out the Sound?
To even out the sound at home, confirm each hearing aid’s power, program, volume, battery or charge, fit, and wax filter, one at a time. Start in a quiet room and check each possible cause 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 our hearing care team if basic checks don’t resolve the difference.
How Can Our High Point and Kernersville Audiologists Help?
Our High Point and Kernersville audiologists help by evaluating your hearing aids and your ears separately to pinpoint why one side sounds different. 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.
How Can You Keep Hearing Aid Sound Quality Consistent Day to Day?
You can keep hearing aid sound quality consistent day to day with daily wiping, individual filter checks, and routine follow-up visits, even if 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.
Book a Hearing Aid Sound Check at High Point Audiological
When your hearing aids sound uneven, Michelle Novakovich, Karen Sikes, or Jessica Hepfner can help 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 our High Point office at 336-932-8815 or our Kernersville office at 336-920-3399, or reach us online to schedule a hearing aid evaluation.
