Hearing aids are designed to amplify sound in a way that feels natural, so if one starts to sound different or less clear than the other, it should be examined. Sometimes the cause is as small as a clogged wax filter; other times your hearing or your settings have changed.
Our audiologists, Rebecca Gomer, Au.D., Mary Beth Hendrix, Au.D., and Taylor Gilbow, Au.D., see patients at Gomer Hearing Center’s Richardson and Allen offices. They 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.
Is It Okay if One Hearing Aid Is Programmed Louder Than the Other?
It can be perfectly appropriate for one hearing aid to be programmed louder than the other, 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 from your hearing aid fitting may be different on that side.
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 Sound Quality Clues Point to a Problem With One Side?
The sound quality clues that point to a problem with one side include a change in loudness, muffled or tinny speech, whistling, and sound that cuts 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. 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. Note when the problem began and which situations make it most noticeable.
What Home Checks Help When the Volume Feels Off on One Side?
When the volume feels off on one side, check that the hearing aid is on and unmuted, set to the right program, powered, seated correctly, and free of wax in its 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. Schedule an appointment with one of our audiologists if basic checks don’t resolve the difference.
What Will Our Richardson and Allen Audiologists Look For?
Our Richardson and Allen audiologists look at your hearing aids and your ears separately to find where the difference begins. The visit typically starts 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 may be the next step 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.
How Can You Keep Your Hearing Aid Sound Quality Balanced?
You can keep your hearing aid sound quality balanced with a daily wipe, regular earpiece inspections, and individual filter checks, even if the two 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.
Have Gomer Hearing Center Check Your Uneven Hearing Aids
If your hearing aids sound uneven, Rebecca Gomer, Mary Beth Hendrix, or Taylor Gilbow 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.
To schedule, call or text our Richardson office at 972-362-6662 or our Allen office at 972-908-9648, or contact us online.