If one hearing aid seems to be doing less work than the other, conversations at the dinner table or on the phone can start to feel lopsided. Because hearing aids are designed to amplify sound in a way that feels natural, a difference between them is worth examining.
Audiologist Adefunke Sabageh, Au.D., and hearing instrument specialist OJ Sabageh, HIS, at Joy Hearing Health Clinic 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 from LaSalle, Windsor, and Tecumseh can start troubleshooting at home, then visit our clinic if the difference persists.
Can Two Hearing Aids Sound Different and Still Work Properly?
Two hearing aids can sound different and still work properly, because each ear may have a different 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.
How Do People Describe Uneven Sound Between Hearing Aids?
People usually describe uneven sound between hearing aids as one side seeming softer or louder, speech sounding muffled or tinny in one ear, or one device whistling or cutting out. Note whether the difference affects speech, your own voice, background noise, or streamed audio, since a clear description helps narrow down the possible cause. You may notice:
- 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 Quick Fixes Can Rebalance One Hearing Aid at Home?
Quick fixes that can rebalance one hearing aid at home include confirming it is on and unmuted, checking the program and volume, recharging it or replacing the battery, reseating it in the correct ear, and inspecting the 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. Book a visit with Adefunke Sabageh or OJ Sabageh if basic checks don’t resolve the difference.
How Can Our LaSalle Team Tell Why One Side Sounds Different?
Our LaSalle team can tell why one side sounds different by evaluating your 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, and earwax removal is available 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. If a part needs attention, we can often repair hearing aids on-site or send them to the manufacturer for you.
What Keeps Hearing Aid Sound Quality Even From Month to Month?
Daily cleaning, separate filter checks, and regular follow-up appointments keep hearing aid sound quality even from month to month, including when the two devices use 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.
Report recurring changes in sound or fit at your follow-up visits. Brief notes on when problems occur help us focus adjustments. The aim is dependable performance tailored to your hearing needs.
Restore Balanced Hearing Aid Sound at Joy Hearing Health Clinic
Don’t let uneven sound become your new normal. Bring both hearing aids, your charger (if charging is a concern), and notes on when the difference occurs, and Adefunke Sabageh and OJ Sabageh can help determine whether the next step is maintenance, adjustments, repair, or further hearing assessment.
Call or text 226-400-1866 or book online with Joy Hearing Health Clinic to schedule an evaluation at our LaSalle office.