How to Troubleshoot Hearing Aid Problems
Experiencing a problem?
Even though you are familiar with your hearing aid, you may face some problems in daily use. Here are some tips and tricks for common problems:
No sound
- Check whether the hearing aid is in mute position
- Check that the battery is working and inserted the right way and the battery door is closed completely
Distorted sound
- Check that the battery is inserted correctly; clean the battery contacts carefully; clean the battery surface with a dry cloth
- Remove the battery and place the hearing aid in a dry storage kit
- Replace the battery with a new one
Whistling or squealing
- Re-insert your hearing aid, or if you wear a BTE, re-insert the earmold
- Re-attach the sound tube or exchange it with a new tube
Other problems
- Common problems and their solutions are listed in the Information for Use booklet provided with your hearing aid
- If none of the suggested solutions solves the problem, or you have other problems, contact your hearing care professional
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Despite proper care, you may still experience issues with your hearing aids.
Troubleshoot some of the most common hearing aid problems.
Why are my hearing aid not working/dead?
| Cause | Possible remedy |
| Device not turned on | Turn on device |
| Battery is dead | Replace battery |
| Battery improperly inserted | Reinsert battery properly |
| Blocked wax filter | Consult your hearing professional. Or, if you have been instructed to do so, change the wax filter
|
| Broken microphone or microphone tube | Consult your hearing care professional
|
Why is sound not loud enough?
| Cause | Possible remedy |
| Hearing aid not properly inserted | Reinsert carefully |
| Microphone not properly seated | Reseat carefully |
| Blocked wax filter | Consult your hearing professional. Or, if you have been instructed to do so, change the wax filter |
| Instrument settings not at optimum | Consult your hearing care professional |
| Excessive ear wax | Consult your physician |
| Change in hearing | Consult your hearing care professional |
Why am I getting excessive whistling/feedback from my hearing aid?
| Cause | Possible remedy |
| Hearing aid not properly inserted | Reinsert carefully |
| Microphone not properly seated | Reseat carefully |
| With telephone use | Review proper telephone use |
| Instrument settings not at optimum | Consult your hearing care professional |
Why is the sound coming from my hearing aid unclear or distorted?
| Cause | Possible remedy |
| Weak battery | Replace battery |
| Poor fitting microphone tube | Consult your hearing care professional |
| Hearing instrument is damaged | Consult your hearing care professional |
Other tips
Keep your hearing aid clean and dry:
- Never immerse hearing aids in water or other liquids or wear while showering, swimming, in heavy rain or in a moist atmosphere such as a steam bath or sauna.
- Leave wet hearing aids to dry with the battery out and the battery door open.
- Put the hearing aid and battery in a sealed container together with a drying agent (dessicator) overnight. Don’t use the hearing aids until completely dry.
- Don’t leave your hearing aids in or near direct heat or sunlight.
- Avoid rough handling of hearing aids or dropping them on hard surfaces or floors.
- Read the instructions for your hearing aids or contact your hearing care provider for additional hearing aid maintenance instructions.
Still need help?
If these remedies don’t work for you or if you experience other issues that aren’t addressed here, contact your hearing care professional.
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