Hearing Aid Not Working? Troubleshooting Tips

Is your hearing aid not working? Don’t worry, many common issues can be resolved with these simple troubleshooting tips. In this article, we provide a hearing aid troubleshooting checklist to help you quickly identify and fix common hearing aid problems. From distorted sound and feedback issues to how to handle moisture damage and Bluetooth connectivity. Plus, we’ll explain when it’s time to seek help from a hearing professional and answer FAQ's to keep your hearing aids functioning at their best. Let’s get started!​

Troubleshooting Dead Hearing Aids

A dead hearing aid can be one of the most frustrating experiences, especially if you’re relying on it for daily communication. First, check that the device is turned on... If this solve your problem congratulations your one of the lucky ones! If not the next thing to check is the battery, is it installed correctly? If so then make sure the microphone is not muted, those are the easiest things to check first.

If those don't solve the problem and your aid has suddenly stopped working, its still not time to panic. Most common hearing aid issues can be still fixed at home with the next troubleshooting steps. 

​Checking the Hearing Aid Battery
You've got a battery but is it working properly? One of the most common hearing aid problems is a dead battery. Start by fully charging your battery, ensuring that the battery contacts are clean and making proper contact with the battery. Sometimes, a quick clean can restore the device’s functionality.
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If your hearing aid is still not working, the next step is to replace the battery with a new one.

Examining the Battery Compartment
If that doesn't work you'll need to examine the battery compartment. Regularly inspecting and cleaning this area for debris or corrosion is vital for maintaining the device’s performance. Corrosion can hinder the battery’s ability to connect properly, leading to power issues.

​Weak or Distorted Sound from Hearing Aids

If your battery is working properly your off to a good start but are you experiencing weak or distorted hearing aid sound? This can be incredibly frustrating and can significantly affect your hearing ability. This problem can stem from various causes, including a low volume setting, ear wax obstruction, or issues with the battery (even if it is fully charged). Replacing a faulty battery may solve these hearing aid issues, we then recommend regular maintenance and adjustments to maintain clear sound.
Here are the steps to address weak or distorted sound.

Cleaning the Wax Filter
Ear wax can obstruct sound transmission and lead to reduced performance. Regularly replacing or cleaning the wax filter is crucial for maintaining clear sound quality. A blocked filter can cause distortion, so it’s essential to keep it clean to affect performance. Using a soft brush, gently clean the filter without damaging it. We recommend you clean the wax filter in your hearing aid once a month.

Adjusting the Device's Volume
If the sound from your hearing aids seems weak, you may just need to adjust the volume. Increasing the volume can often resolve clarity issues. However, please make sure to adjust the volume incrementally to avoid sudden changes in sound volume as this could damage your eardrum.

Still having trouble?
At this point if you are still experiencing a significant decline in hearing aid sound quality, it may be time to consult with a hearing care provider or the audiologist that supplied the hearing aids. Visible damage, such as cracks, should also prompt a visit to your audiologist. If you are having trouble with 'feedback' move to the next step.

Dealing with Feedback and Whistling Sounds

Hearing aid feedback is a high-pitched whistling or squealing noise that occurs when the amplified sound from the speaker is picked up by the microphone, creating a loop that continuously re-amplifies the sound. Feedback, whistling or too much sound coming from hearing devices can be incredibly annoying. Follow these steps to deal with feedback and whistling.

Ensuring Proper Fit Within The Ear Canal
A proper fit prevents leaks and feedback. A loose hearing aid that isn't inserted properly can allow audio to escape from the receiver and be detected by the microphone, causing whistling. Make sure your aids have a snug fit.

Checking for Ear Wax Build Up
Ear wax build-up in the ear canal can block the outlet of hearing aids, leading to decreased performance and feedback noises. Regularly cleaning your ears can help prevent these issues, but avoid inserting objects like cotton buds into the ears, find out why you shouldn't use cotton buds here.

​Moisture Causing Hearing Aid Problems

Using a Hearing Aid Dryer Box
Hearing aid dryers can effectively remove moisture and help maintain the integrity of the devices. These dryers use air and just the right amount of heat to remove moisture, prolonging the lifespan of your hearing aids. The average hearing aid drying box typically takes 45 minutes to 8 hours to fully dry your aids, leaving hearing aids in a drying box overnight is a popular option.

Immediate Action if Hearing Aid Gets Wet
If your hearing aid gets wet, take immediate action. Remove the battery and dry the device thoroughly to prevent damage. Using desiccants or drying capsules can be a practical way to absorb moisture when a powered drying box isn’t available. Quick and thorough drying can prevent long-term damage.

Connectivity Issues with Bluetooth Hearing Aids

Bluetooth hearing devices offer the convenience of connecting to other devices such as mobile phones and TV's wirelessly, this makes life with hearing loss so much easier, however, they can sometimes encounter pairing issues. Here are a couple of things to check to address connectivity issues with Bluetooth hearing aids.

Double Check Other Devices
If you are having trouble pairing devices you should first ensure compatibility with your chosen brand. Double-check that the device you are trying to connect to is updated, some devices require regular software updates to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

Following Manufacturer's Instructions
Referring to the manufacturer’s guidelines can be super helpful for troubleshooting and successful  pairing of Bluetooth hearing aids. Following to these instructions can help you navigate connectivity issues and ensure your devices are set up correctly an remembered for next time.

​When to Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, hearing aid problems persist, requiring professional evaluation. Recurrent issues such as weak sound or fluctuating volume levels may indicate the need for repair or replacement. If basic troubleshooting fails to fix these common problems, it’s crucial to seek further assistance and help from your audiologist. What hearing aid choices are there? Learn the differences between NHS and private hearing aids here.

FAQ's

How do you reset a hearing aid?
To reset a hearing aid, try turning it off and on again, for some devices you'll need to press and hold the volume-down button or the single button for 5-7 seconds to turn it off. Then press and hold the same button for another 5-7 seconds to turn it back on. (Check your user manual for instructions) This reboot process can help resolve any issues with the device.

What should I do if my hearing aids get lost?
If your hearing aids are lost, promptly contact your hearing care provider for assistance, especially if they have a tracking feature. You can also check your insurance policy to determine if it covers loss.

Does hearing aid insurance cover repairs?
Hearing aid insurance often covers loss and repairs, but the specifics will vary for each policy. Be sure to review your policy details to understand your coverage.

Can hearing aids get wet?
Hearing aids can tolerate some moisture but many are not fully waterproof. Immediately remove the battery and dry the device if it gets wet to prevent damage.

Can I sleep while wearing my hearing aids?
It's best to avoid sleeping with your hearing aids, as doing so can lead to discomfort and potential damage to the devices, it will also drain the battery life much quicker.

Conclusion

By following the hearing aid troubleshooting steps outlined in this blog, you can quickly address many common problems and ensure your hearing aids are always performing at their best. Remember, your hearing aids are vital to your daily life, so taking care of them is essential. Read our blog on how long do hearing aids last and how to clean hearing aids for more information. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you encounter any significant issues. Take charge of your hearing health today and enjoy the benefits of clear, uninterrupted sound.

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