If voices seem fuller in one ear than the other, or one hearing aid suddenly sounds thin or fuzzy, conversations can start to feel lopsided. Hearing aids are designed to amplify sound in a way that feels natural, so a difference you notice between them should be examined.
In Redding, CA, audiologists Angela Batini, M.S., CCC-A, FAAA, and Maureen Whiteaker, M.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 patients can start troubleshooting at home, then seek professional care if the difference persists.
Why Would One Hearing Aid Sound Different Even When Both Work?
One hearing aid can sound different even when both work, 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 differ 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 Differences Should You Watch For?
The sound differences to watch for include one side seeming louder or softer, distorted or muffled speech in one ear, and whistling, crackling, or dropouts in one device. 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. You may notice that:
- 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. Keep a note of when the problem began and which situations make it most noticeable.
Which Quick Checks Can You Try Before Calling Our Redding Office?
Before calling our Redding office, you can check each hearing aid’s power, listening program, volume, battery or charge, placement, and wax filter. Start in a quiet room and test 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. If basic checks don’t resolve the difference, our office can help you troubleshoot by phone or schedule an appointment with Angela Batini or Maureen Whiteaker.
How Do Our Audiologists Find the Cause of Uneven Hearing Aids?
Our audiologists find the cause of uneven hearing aids by evaluating your devices 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. An updated hearing test 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.
What Daily Habits Keep Hearing Aid Sound Quality Steady?
Daily cleaning, separate filter checks, and regular follow-up visits keep hearing aid sound quality steady on both sides, even if their settings stay different. Wipe the devices 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 Angela Batini, M.S. Audiology
Angela Batini has helped Redding patients hear their best since 1991. If your hearing aids sound uneven, she and Maureen Whiteaker can 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 530-441-2659 or reach our office online to schedule an evaluation at our Airpark Drive office in Redding, CA.