Your hearing aids are designed to be worn every day. Many prescription devices offer incredible durability, and some are even waterproof. Still, like any piece of technology, they can sometimes run into issues. A sudden loss of sound, feedback, or a quickly drained battery can be frustrating and even a bit alarming. Thankfully, many hearing aid problems have simple, at-home solutions.
In this guide, we walk you through how to troubleshoot the most common hearing aid issues, step by step. We will also explain when it’s best to seek professional care, helping you save time, avoid frustration, and keep your hearing aids working their best.
Hearing Aid Has No Sound or is Too Quiet
One common hearing aid problem is when you suddenly can’t hear anything, or the sound seems much weaker than usual. While this can be incredibly frustrating, this issue often has a simple explanation. Something as minor as a defective battery, a small blockage, or even an accidental setting adjustment can all cause sound to cut out or fade.
Before assuming the worst, try these easy hearing aid checks at home:
1. Check the Power
The first thing to do if you’re experiencing this problem is to check the power. Sometimes the power switch can be moved accidentally when handling the device, so double-check that your hearing aid is turned on.
If your model uses disposable batteries, replace them with a fresh set and double-check that the batteries are inserted correctly, and the compartment is clean and dry. For rechargeable hearing aids, confirm they’ve had enough time to fully charge and that the charger is working properly.
2. Inspect the Microphone and Receiver
Maintaining a consistent daily cleaning routine can make all the difference in keeping your devices functioning at their best. Over time, earwax and debris can block the microphone or receiver ports, leading to weak sound output, or none at all.
Try giving your devices a thorough cleaning to remove any blockages. Make sure to use proper hearing aid cleaning tools, like a small brush or wire loop, to gently remove any obstructions. Tools not designed specifically for hearing aids can damage components and cause the device to malfunction.
3. Replace Wax Guards
Hearing aid wax guards are small, disposable filters that prevent wax and debris from entering the sound outlet. They need replacement every 2-4 weeks, or whenever they appear visibly clogged. Otherwise, they can muffle sound or block it entirely.
4. Confirm Volume and Program Settings
If your hearing aids are on, clean, and still producing little to no sound, the next thing to check is the settings. Check that the volume hasn’t been accidentally turned down too low, either on the device or through your hearing aid app.
If your device has multiple programs or listening modes, make sure it’s set to the correct one for your environment. A quick adjustment can often restore normal sound without any further troubleshooting.
When to Call a Professional
If your hearing aid still isn’t producing the right level of sound after checking the power, cleaning, and confirming your settings, it’s time to contact your hearing care professional. Persistent issues could indicate internal damage or a technical problem that requires expert attention.
Hearing Aid Feedback Issues
A high-pitched whistling or squealing sound (feedback) is another common hearing aid issue. While feedback can be annoying, you may be able to identify the cause and fix it at home relatively easily.
Here are a few simple ways to address this issue:
1. Check the Fit
Feedback usually occurs when sound from the hearing aid receiver escapes back into the microphone, creating a loop. This can happen if the device isn’t seated properly in the ear or if the ear mold or dome doesn’t fit correctly.
To solve this, make sure you are putting your hearing aid in properly, so it creates an adequate seal in your ear. It should sit snugly in its place behind your ear or in your ear canal and feel comfortable, and not be at risk of falling out.
2. Inspect the Tubing
For behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, tubing typically needs replacement every 3-6 months. Otherwise, it can warp or crack and cause sound to leak out and create feedback loops.
If your tubing is showing signs of wear or damage, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible.
3. Inspect for Wear and Tear
Components like domes, ear molds, and tubing need regular replacement. Even small changes in their shape may cause your hearing aids to fit incorrectly, resulting in feedback issues.
Cleaning these parts and replacing them regularly helps keep your devices comfortable and functional.
When to Call a Professional
Your hearing aids should never cause you any physical discomfort or prolonged sound issues. If feedback and whistling issues persist, or if your device no longer fits well, the hearing care specialists at Audibel Hearing Healthcare in Alexandria are here to help.
Hearing Aid Moisture Exposure
Waterproof hearing aids are designed to withstand sweat, humidity, and other common types of moisture. Advanced models like the Vitality AI can even be submerged in water up to 3 feet without being damaged.
However, without proper care, excess moisture can shorten the lifespan of any electronic device and affect performance over time. Whether you’ve accidentally dropped your hearing aids in the sink or found yourself caught in a sudden rainstorm, here are some tips to help you address moisture exposure:
1. Dry Them Immediately
If your hearing aids have been exposed to moisture, the first thing you should do is wipe off any visible water immediately. Then open the battery compartment, remove the batteries, and leave them in a dehumidifier or drying box for at least 24 hours.
If you do not have a hearing aid dehumidifier immediately available, use a bag of uncooked rice or silica gel to absorb moisture.
2. Don’t Use Heat Sources
Trying to dry your hearing aids using a heat source like a hair dryer can actually do more harm than good. Too much heat can warp plastic components and damage delicate internal circuitry.
The safest way to remove moisture from your devices is to use a drying kit or dehumidifier designed for hearing aids specifically.
When to Call a Professional
If your hearing aids stop functioning properly even after being fully dried, professional maintenance is required. A qualified hearing specialist can assess the extent of the water damage and recommend the necessary repairs.
Hearing Aid Battery Drains Fast
Some of the most advanced prescription hearing aids available today can last for multiple days before needing the battery replaced or recharged. In fact, the Audibel Vitality AI can last up to 51 hours on a single charge.
While all batteries naturally lose capacity over time, sudden or frequent drain may point to something else. The good news is that many battery-related hearing aid issues can be addressed at home.
Below are some tips for troubleshooting battery drain problems:
1. Replace the Battery
If you notice your hearing aids are losing power quickly, the first thing you should do is replace the battery with a brand new one. Swapping it out can help determine if the issue is being caused by the battery itself or something else.
2. Check Battery Expiration Date
Hearing aid batteries lose strength over time, even if they haven’t been used yet. Check the expiration date to make sure they are still good to use. Disposable batteries can also lose power quickly if they are improperly stored or exposed to heat and humidity.
This is why it is so important to store your backup batteries in a cool, dry place. This helps extend their lifespan and ensures your spares are reliable when you need them.
3. Inspect the Charging Case (Rechargeable Hearing Aids)
If you have rechargeable hearing aids, sometimes fast battery drain can be the result of a minor problem with the charger. To ensure your hearing aid charging case is working properly, look for indicator lights on the case itself. They typically show a blinking or solid light when the case is charging.
You will also want to make sure your hearing aids are correctly placed within their charging slots. Then, inspect the charging cord for signs of damage, such as exposed wires, and make sure it is securely plugged into the outlet. From there, you will also want to test the outlet itself to ensure it is working properly.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried these steps and the problem continues, there may be a hardware issue. This could be something like faulty battery contacts, a damaged amplifier, or internal corrosion. Contact your hearing care professional as soon as possible for repair services.
Bluetooth Hearing Aid Connectivity Issues
With Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids, you can wirelessly stream audio to your devices from your smartphone, tablet, TV, and other electronics. This makes it easier than ever to make phone calls, watch your favorite television shows, and more. But when that connection drops or refuses to pair, it can quickly become frustrating.
Thankfully, most connectivity issues are often caused by something simple. Here are some tips for troubleshooting connectivity issues for Bluetooth hearing aids:
1. Check Bluetooth Settings
The first step is to make sure Bluetooth is turned on for both your hearing aids and the device you’re trying to connect to. In some cases, simply toggling Bluetooth off and back on can re-establish the connection.
2. Restart Devices
Sometimes simply turning electronics off and on again is all it takes to restore things back to normal. Try restarting both your hearing aids and the device you’re trying to connect to. This refreshes the connection and may resolve temporary pairing glitches.
3. Check for Updates
If you’re experiencing wireless connectivity issues, outdated software could be the culprit. Make sure your hearing aids, their companion app, and the operating system of your smart device all have the latest updates installed.
4. Forget Device and Re-Pair
If your hearing aids still won’t connect, go to the Bluetooth settings on the device you are trying to pair them to, and select “forget the device.” This removes your hearing aids from the list of paired devices so you can reconnect them as if they were brand new. Starting fresh often clears out corrupted pairing data and restores a stable connection.
When to Call a Professional
If your hearing aids continue to have trouble connecting despite these steps, contact your hearing care professional. Persistent issues may point to a hardware problem or a setting that needs to be adjusted in-office.
Schedule Hearing Aid Repair at Audibel Hearing Healthcare in Alexandria
Prescription hearing aids are incredibly durable and built to be worn every day. But like any technology, they can sometimes run into issues. If troubleshooting doesn’t solve the problem, or if your hearing aids show signs of damage, the specialists at Audibel Hearing Healthcare in Alexandria are here to help.
We proudly offer appointments for ALL hearing aid brands, whether you purchased your devices from us or not. Contact us today to keep your hearing aids performing at their best.