Some hearing aid users report an issue where their hearing aids seem to “mute” or significantly reduce sound when inside a car with the engine running. Despite trying different troubleshooting methods, including turning off their phone or app, the issue persists. This article explores several possible explanations and potential solutions based on user experiences.
1. Bluetooth Interference from the Car
Some users suspect that their car’s Bluetooth system is interfering with their hearing aids. This can happen if the hearing aids attempt to connect to the car’s head unit, causing temporary audio disruptions. If the bluetooth connects and you are not streaming anything, this will make you feel that the audio in the hearing aids have muted.
Possible Solutions:
- Turn off Bluetooth in your car settings to see if the issue resolves.
- Forget the car’s Bluetooth connection from your hearing aids if they are paired.
- Try using a different hearing aid program that is not linked to Bluetooth functions.
2. Automatic Noise Reduction Features
Hearing aids often have automatic noise reduction programs designed to filter out background noise, such as car engines, wind noise and road noise. This leads some users to report that their hearing aids turn off and on again when near a consistent noise source such as when driving in a car. This suggests that some hearing aids mistake the constant engine noise for unwanted background sound and attempt to suppress it.
Possible Solutions:
- Ask your audiologist to adjust the noise reduction settings, particularly those related to wind or and machine noise. By making these setting less agressive in the hearing aids, you should not feel that they are muting
- Turn off any automatic volume-lowering features.
- If available, create a custom program specifically for use in the car.
3. Other Troubleshooting Ideas
If the issue persists, try restarting your hearing aids while inside the car to see if the problem occurs immediately again. This can help determine if the issue is tied to environmental factors or if the hearing aids are automatically adjusting due to perceived noise levels.