Getting Yelled At? How a Damaged Hearing Aid Affects Sound

03/13/2025
Ch Hearing Aid Damaged Effects

Do You Feel Like People Are Yelling at You More Than Usual?

If it seems like everyone is speaking louder than normal, your hearing aids might be the problem.

That’s exactly what happened to George, who recently came into our office looking for an adjustment.

He told me, “My wife is yelling at me morning and night!”

I must have looked confused because he continued:

“One morning, I was getting coffee, and my wife walked in with a booming voice. I told her I heard her and she didn’t need to yell. She laughed and said, ‘Well, there’s a first time for everything.’ But today, she said something to me, and I missed it. Then she looked me in the eyes and said loudly, ‘Go ask Blair to help you… and me.’”

George assumed he needed his hearing aids to be louder – but that wasn’t the issue.

After taking a look, I found that his hearing aids were clogged with skin debris and wax, which blocked both the microphone and speaker. This caused muffled, distorted sound and made conversations more difficult.

How a Damaged or Dirty Hearing Aid Affects Sound

Your hearing aids are designed to deliver clear, natural sound, but when they’re clogged or damaged, they can actually make hearing more difficult. Here’s how:

  • Sounds Might Be Too Quiet – A clogged speaker reduces volume, making it harder to hear everyday sounds.
  • You Might Miss Important Words – A blocked microphone can prevent your hearing aids from picking up voices correctly.
  • People May Sound Muffled – A dirty or damaged hearing aid can make voices sound muffled or distant, like they’re underwater.
  • You Might Hear Buzzing or Whistling – If the device is damaged, it could create annoying feedback, buzzing, or whistling sounds.
  • Others Might Feel Like They Have to Yell – If your hearing aids aren’t working properly, people may naturally raise their voice, thinking you can’t hear them.

What Should You Do If Conversations Seem Harder to Follow?

If you’re struggling to hear clearly or feel like people are suddenly speaking louder, it may be time to check your hearing aids.

  • Inspect your hearing aids – Look for visible wax buildup or debris blocking the speaker.
  • Clean your hearing aids regularly – Use a soft brush or hearing aid cleaning tool to remove blockages.
  • Check for damage – If you notice cracks, moisture, or loose parts, your hearing aid may need a professional repair.
  • Schedule a professional cleaning & check-up – At Contemporary Hearing in Venice, FL, we can inspect, clean, and adjust your hearing aids to restore optimal performance.

Clear Hearing = Easier Conversations

If you feel like everyone is yelling at you – or you find yourself raising your own voice – your hearing aids might need a tune-up.

Call Contemporary Hearing at (941) 244-9300 today to schedule a hearing aid check-up and cleaning.

Clear hearing makes conversations easier – no yelling required!

Customer Testimonials

Get in Touch!

Contemporary Hearing 242 Tamiami Trail S,
Venice, FL 34285

941-244-9300

Office Hours:
Monday 9:00 – 5:00
Tuesday 9:00 – 5:00
Wednesday 9:00 – 5:00
Thursday 9:00 – 5:00
Friday 9:00 – 1:00 during summers
Call for holiday hours.

On Venice Island, two blocks from downtown on Tamiami Trail.