When your hearing starts to fade, it’s amazing what people will try before admitting they need help. From bizarre gadgets to laughable life hacks, the DIY fixes for hearing loss can range from amusing to downright baffling.

Let’s dive into six of the weirdest “solutions” people turn to—spoiler alert: none of them actually work.

1. Cupping Hands Around Ears

You’ve seen it—or maybe even done it yourself. Cupping your hands behind your ears does amplify sound a little by funneling it, but it also distorts what you’re hearing.

Think of it like shouting into a tin can: sure, it’s louder, but is it clearer? Not really.

2. Cranking the Volume to Max

The classic move—turning the TV or stereo up so loud that it shakes the house. While it might help you catch a few more words, it also distorts sound clarity, strains your ears even further, and is guaranteed to annoy everyone else in the room (or the neighbors).

3. Ear Candling

Yes, this is a thing. People believe that sticking a lit, hollow candle in their ear will draw out wax and magically improve their hearing. Not only is this ineffective, but it’s also dangerous (hello, burns and infections).

Pro tip: leave the candles for birthday cakes, not your ears.

4. Listening Through a Glass

We’ve all seen it in old spy movies: someone holding a glass to a wall to “hear better.” Some people try this to amplify sound in everyday life, but unless you’re trying to eavesdrop on your neighbors (don’t), this trick isn’t doing you any favors.

5. Buying Sketchy “Hearing Boosters” Online

Scrolling through questionable websites for “cheap hearing solutions” might sound like a good idea—until you end up with a flimsy gadget that amplifies all sounds, including background noise.

Worse, these devices can strain your ears and even cause damage. Yikes.

6. Relying on Friends to Translate Conversations

Instead of addressing their hearing loss, some people just lean on their friends or family to repeat things constantly or act as interpreters in group settings.

This might seem harmless, but over time, it can put a strain on relationships and make social gatherings less enjoyable.

Why These “Fixes” Don’t Work

All these methods share a common flaw: they don’t address the actual problem. Hearing loss isn’t something you can DIY your way out of. Without the right tools, you’re stuck struggling to catch key moments—whether it’s a conversation with a loved one or the punchline of a joke.

But it’s not just about the sounds you miss—it’s about the moments. That “I love you” whispered from across the room, the laughter shared at a family dinner, or the joy of hearing your favorite song just the way it’s meant to sound. These aren’t just sounds—they’re connections.

How Audien Hearing Aids Solve the Problem

If you’re tired of makeshift solutions that don’t actually work, Audien hearing aids offer the clarity and simplicity you need. The Atom 2 Series and ION hearing aids are game-changers for anyone with mild to moderate hearing loss. Here’s why:

• Crystal-Clear Sound: Advanced technology filters out background noise, letting you focus on what matters.
  
  
• Discreet and Comfortable: Small enough to go unnoticed, comfortable enough for all-day wear.
  
  
• Affordable and Accessible: No prescriptions or doctor visits required—just order online and start hearing better.
  
  

Ready to Leave the “Weird Fixes” Behind?

It’s time to move on from cupped hands and cranked-up TVs. With Audien, you can enjoy clear, confident hearing without the guesswork.

👉 Discover the Atom 2 Series

Don’t let hearing loss hold you back. Audien makes better hearing simple, affordable, and effective.