Most hearing aid problems can be resolved with simple at-home fixes before requiring professional attention. Common issues like muffled sound, whistling, or complete device failure often stem from basic maintenance problems that you can address yourself in just a few minutes.
When your hearing aids aren't working properly, it can be frustrating and isolating. Before scheduling a repair appointment, try these proven troubleshooting steps that resolve the majority of hearing aid issues our patients encounter.
Common Hearing Aid Problems and Quick Solutions
No Sound or Dead Hearing Aid
Check the battery first - this causes 60% of "broken" hearing aid cases. For rechargeable models, ensure your device spent adequate time in the charger. A full charge typically takes 3-4 hours and should provide 16-18 hours of use.
For battery-powered models, replace the battery with a fresh one. Remove the sticker from new batteries and wait 60 seconds before inserting them to allow proper activation. Old batteries can leak and damage internal components, so never leave expired batteries in your device.
Verify the hearing aid is turned on. Many models automatically power on when you close the battery door or remove them from the charger, but some require manual activation.
Whistling or Feedback Sounds
Feedback occurs when amplified sound leaks out and gets picked up again by the microphone. This creates the annoying whistling sound that can happen when you put your hand near your ear or wear a hat.
First, check if your hearing aid is properly inserted. Remove and reinsert the device, ensuring the dome or custom mold sits securely in your ear canal. Loose or improperly fitted hearing aids are the primary cause of feedback.
Examine the tubing and dome for cracks or hardening. Replace domes every 2-3 months or when they become stiff or cracked. Clean any earwax from the dome or receiver.
If feedback persists, earwax buildup in your ear canal might be causing the issue. When earwax blocks the canal, sound bounces back and creates feedback.
Muffled or Distorted Sound
Moisture and earwax cause over 75% of hearing aid malfunctions. Check your receiver (the part that goes in your ear) for wax blockage. Look for the white or colored wax guard and replace it if it appears clogged or discolored.
Clean the microphone openings on top of the hearing aid using a soft, dry brush. Never use water, alcohol, or cleaning products on electronic components.
Remove any visible moisture from the device. If you've been exercising, caught in rain, or live in humid conditions, place your hearing aids in a drying kit overnight.
Weak or Intermittent Sound
Volume settings might need adjustment. Check if your volume control was accidentally turned down or if you've switched to an inappropriate program setting.
Inspect all connection points. For RIC (receiver-in-canal) models, ensure the thin wire connecting the hearing aid to the receiver hasn't become loose or damaged. A damaged wire connection causes intermittent sound issues.
Look for corrosion around the battery contacts. White or green residue indicates battery leakage, which requires professional cleaning.
Preventive Maintenance That Stops Problems Before They Start
Daily Cleaning Routine
Wipe down your hearing aids every night with a soft, dry cloth. This simple habit prevents 80% of moisture-related failures.
Use your cleaning brush to gently remove earwax from the receiver and microphone openings. Brush away from the openings, not into them.
Store your hearing aids in a dry kit or dehumidifier when not wearing them. This removes accumulated moisture and extends device lifespan.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
Replace wax guards weekly or when they appear dark or clogged. Fresh wax guards prevent 90% of sound quality issues.
For custom molds, remove them from the hearing aid and wash with mild soap and warm water. Ensure they're completely dry before reconnecting.
Check tubing for moisture droplets or discoloration. If you see condensation inside the tubing, disconnect and allow it to air dry completely.
Monthly Inspections
Examine the entire device for cracks, loose components, or signs of wear. Small cracks can let in moisture and cause major damage if left untreated.
Test all controls including volume wheels, program buttons, and app connectivity. Unresponsive controls often indicate internal moisture damage.
Verify your charging case is working properly. Clean charging contacts with a dry cotton swab to maintain good electrical connection.
When Professional Help Is Needed
Signs That Require Expert Attention
If your hearing aid continues malfunctioning after trying these troubleshooting steps, professional service is necessary. Attempting complex repairs yourself can void warranties and cause permanent damage.
Strange odors, especially burning smells, indicate internal component failure. Stop using the device immediately and contact our office.
Physical damage like cracked cases, broken tubing, or damaged receivers requires professional repair or replacement.
What We Offer at Our Practice
We provide on-site cleaning, maintenance, and repairs for all hearing aid brands, regardless of where you purchased them. We offer a flat fee for in-house repairs, making it affordable to keep your devices working properly.
For warranty repairs, we work directly with manufacturers to minimize your costs and downtime. Most warranty repairs are completed at no charge to you.
We use Real Ear Measurements during fittings and adjustments to ensure your hearing aids are programmed correctly for your specific ear canal shape and hearing loss. This prevents many common problems and optimizes your hearing aid performance.
Technology-Specific Troubleshooting
Bluetooth Connectivity Issues
Restart both your hearing aids and phone when streaming problems occur. This resolves 80% of connectivity issues.
Check that your hearing aids appear in your phone's Bluetooth settings. If they're missing, re-pair the devices following the manufacturer's instructions.
Ensure your phone's operating system is current. Outdated software can cause compatibility problems with newer hearing aid features.
App-Related Problems
Force-close and restart your hearing aid app if remote adjustments aren't working. App crashes can temporarily disconnect the hearing aids from your phone.
Verify your app is updated to the latest version. Manufacturers regularly release updates that fix bugs and improve functionality.
If app features like AI adjustments or environmental detection aren't working properly, reset the app settings to default and reconfigure your preferences.
Advanced Feature Malfunctions
For automatic program switching problems, manually cycle through your available programs to see if specific programs work correctly. This helps identify whether the issue is with the automatic detection or with individual programs.
If noise reduction seems too aggressive or insufficient, check your environmental detection settings in the app. Many users accidentally adjust these settings and forget they made changes.
Battery and Charging Troubleshooting
Rechargeable Hearing Aids
Clean charging contacts weekly to maintain proper electrical connection. Use a dry cotton swab to remove any buildup on both the hearing aids and charging case.
If your hearing aids won't charge, try a different power outlet or USB cable. Charging infrastructure problems are more common than hearing aid battery failures.
Check for proper seating in the charging case. Hearing aids should click into place and charging lights should illuminate immediately.
Disposable Battery Issues
Store batteries in a cool, dry place and never refrigerate them. Extreme temperatures reduce battery lifespan and performance.
Remove batteries if you won't be using your hearing aids for several days. This prevents corrosion from battery leakage.
Keep spare batteries in your original packaging until needed. Loose batteries can short-circuit against metal objects like keys or coins.
Schedule Your Professional Hearing Aid Service
While these troubleshooting steps resolve most common issues, some problems require professional expertise and specialized equipment. Our experienced team can diagnose complex issues, perform precision adjustments, and ensure your hearing aids deliver optimal performance.
Don't let hearing aid problems keep you from staying connected to the people and activities you love. Contact us today to schedule your hearing aid evaluation and repair service. We're here to keep your hearing aids working perfectly so you can focus on what matters most.
