Top 6 Problems With Hearing Aids

That high-pitched sound is feedback. And although most hearing aids have feedback-suppression features, some people still experience problems because of earwax buildup (see the next section for solutions) or an improper fit. Either issue can block the sound coming out of the device. “If it can't go all the way into the eardrum, where it's supposed to,” Berndtson says, “you can't understand speech or hear the sound” because it's “feeding back into the circuit.”

With a custom hearing aid, make sure it fits properly in the ear canal. Audiologists can correct these devices to some extent by grinding down the parts of the surface that are causing problems. It's harder to fit a one-size-fits-all device.

Whatever type of device you get, your fitting should be verified with probe microphone, or “real ear,” measures, Karp says. Real ear verification makes sure the hearing aids are programmed correctly based on your hearing-loss prescription. “It is the only way to know what the hearing aids are actually doing in the ear,” she says.

4. "The sound isn't clear anymore."

The muffling of sound is often due to the buildup of earwax, or cerumen, says Andrea Sterkel, a senior audiologist at University Hospitals in Cleveland. If you produce a lot of earwax, you may need to have your ears cleaned regularly. Put a few drops of mineral or baby oil, glycerin or hydrogen peroxide into your ear to soften the wax, or have a health provider do it.

You may also need a wax trap, a small pit that will clutch any earwax before it can get into and damage the internal components of the hearing aid. The trap needs to be changed periodically so the device keeps working effectively.

5. "They're uncomfortable.”

Soreness in the ear canal can also be a matter of fit. You should ask about test-driving your hearing aids before you buy them, to be sure they stay comfortable for more than a few minutes.

If you have a custom hearing aid, the audiologist may be able to make adjustments to it using special tools (see “I hear a whistling noise"), Berndtson says. “Sometimes the device has to be remade to accommodate the sensitive spots in the ear canal.”

6. “They’re too expensive.”

At an average cost of $1,000 to $4,000 per device, hearing aids can come with major sticker shock — especially when you consider that they need to be replaced about every five to seven years, says Hope Lanter, a lead audiologist at Hear.com.

The first step to tackling cost is understanding your insurance coverage, Lanter says. Private insurers don’t generally cover hearing aids, but some may pay a set amount toward the devices or a discount for purchasing them from a contracted provider. You can also purchase hearing aids with funds from a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA).  

Original Medicare does not pay for hearing aids, but most Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) cover the devices, although a cost or frequency limit may apply. If you qualify for Medicaid, your state’s program may cover hearing aids; eligible veterans can receive devices through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Charitable organizations and donation-based programs like the Lions Club are another option, Lanter says. For more information, visit the Hearing Aid Project website for a list of state and national resources.

Beth Howard is a North Carolina–based health and lifestyle writer. She has written for U.S. News & World Report, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post and Prevention, among dozens of other publications.

Editor’s note: This story, originally published May 6, 2019, has been updated to include information about the cost of hearing aids.