When one ear seems to be doing more of the listening, it’s natural to wonder whether a hearing aid is failing. Hearing aids are designed to amplify sound in a way that feels natural, so a difference between them should be examined.
At Volume Hearing & Audiology in Spokane, audiologist Ray McNiven, M.A., CCC-A, can evaluate your hearing and devices to determine whether the difference comes from maintenance needs, programming, fit, or a change in your ears. Most clients can start troubleshooting at home, then seek professional care if the difference persists.
Is a Volume Difference Between Ears Ever Part of the Plan?
Yes, a volume difference between ears can be part of the plan, 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.
What Kinds of Sound Changes Show Up in Just One Hearing Aid?
The sound changes that show up in just one hearing aid include shifts in loudness, muffled or tinny speech, a hollow-sounding voice, and whistling, crackling, or dropouts. Describing the difference clearly helps narrow down the possible cause. Notice whether it affects speech, your own voice, background noise, or streamed audio. Clients often describe it this way:
- 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 Can Spokane Clients Rule Out at Home First?
At home, Spokane clients can first rule out power, mute, program and volume settings, a low battery or charge, placement in the wrong ear, and a blocked 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 Ray if basic checks don’t resolve the difference.
What Does Ray McNiven Check When One Hearing Aid Sounds Different?
Ray McNiven checks your hearing aids and your ears separately to find out 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 testing 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. When a device needs more than an adjustment, Volume Hearing & Audiology can repair most hearing aid types or send it to the manufacturer.
What Keeps Two Differently Tuned Hearing Aids Performing Well?
Daily cleaning, individual filter checks, and regular follow-up visits keep two differently tuned hearing aids performing well. 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. With our Full Service package, yearly hearing screenings and programming adjustments are included during the warranty period. Brief notes on when problems occur help us focus adjustments. The aim is dependable performance tailored to your hearing needs.
Bring Both Hearing Aids to Volume Hearing & Audiology in Spokane
If your hearing aids sound uneven, a visit with Ray McNiven, M.A., can determine whether the next step is maintenance, adjustments, repair, or further hearing assessment. Bring both devices, your charger (if charging is a concern), and notes on when the difference occurs.
Call or text 509-236-8968 or reach Volume Hearing & Audiology online to schedule a hearing aid evaluation at our North Division Street office.
