Hearing Aid Troubleshooting

Hearing aid trouble shooting by the hearing aid user can decrease unnecessary trips to the Hearing Aid Specialist office. The following is a list of common problems associated with hearing aids and the repair solution you can perform at home. If you need further assistance contact your Hearing Aid Specialist at 1 (800) 493-5450.

Most hearing aid problems are due to lack of cleaning. Hearing Instruments should be cleaned every night, and regular cleaning by your Hearing Aid Specialist at minimum of twice a year.

DEAD - Hearing aid is not working

Check if the hearing aid is turned on
Check/Change the battery
Check to make sure battery is inserted properly
Clean the hearing aid tip and check for blockage
If the hearing aid is a Behind The Ear design, make sure there is no moisture in the earmold tubing, especially at the bend where the tubing enters the earmold

WEAK - Hearing aid is not as strong as normal

Check for blockage in the tip and clean to dislodge any earwax or debris
Check/Change the battery
Is it humid or rainy, check for moisture from weather or from showering
When was your last check up or hearing test done?

DISTORTED /INTERMITTENT

Check to make sure hearing aid is clean and not blocked with ear wax
Check/Change low battery
Check for moisture or exposure to moisture, remove and dispose of battery, set hearing aid on a towel in a safe place, leaving battery door open, and call your hearing aid specialist
If there is a volume control rotate the control quickly back and forth 15-20 times to clean off corrosion and oils

WHISTLING/FEEDBACK

Check your ears for ear wax build-up
Make sure hearing aid is properly inserted
Remove any object, such as hat or scarf that maybe causing sound wave obstruction
If you have volume control, lower the volume more than you would normally to temporarily correct the problem
Check with your hearing aid specialist to be sure there is not excessive or impacted wax in your ear and that your hearing aid is working properly