When one hearing aid seems quieter, sharper, or less clear than the other, conversations can feel lopsided. Hearing aids are designed to amplify sound in a way that feels natural, so a noticeable difference between them deserves a closer look.
At Southern California Ear, Nose & Throat, licensed audiologist Susan Eckardt, Au.D., and audiologist Kim Baldock-Mahloch, AuD, 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 at one of our four offices along the 405 if the difference persists.
Could Your Ears, Not Your Devices, Explain the Uneven Sound?
Your ears, rather than your devices, can explain uneven sound, because each ear may have its own degree or pattern of hearing loss and need a different amount of amplification. 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.
Muffled, Tinny or Whistling: How Does an Uneven Hearing Aid Show Up?
An uneven hearing aid usually shows up as a change in volume, clarity, the sound of your own voice, odd noises, or streamed audio on one side. Describing the difference clearly helps narrow down the possible cause, so pay attention to whether it affects speech, your own voice, background noise, or streamed audio. Common experiences include:
- 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 Are Worth Trying in a Quiet Room First?
The quick fixes worth trying first are checking power, programs, volume, battery or charge, placement, and the wax filter. Work 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 Susan Eckardt or Kim Baldock-Mahloch if basic checks don’t resolve the difference.
What Happens When You See a Long Beach Audiologist About Uneven Sound?
When you see one of our audiologists about uneven sound, your hearing aids and your ears are evaluated separately to pinpoint where the difference starts. 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 tests can compare each ear’s sensitivity and speech understanding with previous results. Middle ear testing or an evaluation with one of our ENT physicians 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 and Follow-Up Care Keeps Both Devices Dependable?
Daily cleaning, separate filter checks, and regular follow-up visits keep both devices dependable, even if their 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 for your hearing aids 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.
Schedule an Uneven Sound Visit in Long Beach or Orange County
If your hearing aids sound uneven, schedule an evaluation with Susan Eckardt, Au.D., or Kim Baldock-Mahloch, AuD. Bring both hearing aids, your charger (if charging is a concern), and notes on when the difference occurs. We can determine whether the next step is maintenance, adjustments, repair, or further hearing assessment.
Call our Long Beach office at 562-427-0550, our Huntington Beach office at 714-898-2221, or our Los Alamitos and Newport Beach offices at 562-596-9889. You can also request an appointment online.