Hearing Aid Troubleshooting

There are several hearing aid issues that can typically be solved by some simple troubleshooting steps and may not require hearing aid repairs. These include:

• “My hearing aids aren’t producing any sound.”
• “My hearing aids are producing sound, but it’s too soft or distorted.”
• “My hearing aids are producing a whistling or buzzing noise.”
• "My hearing aid won't stay in my ear."

If your hearing aid has been physically damaged, the case has been cracked or it doesn’t fit properly anymore, you should schedule an appointment with your hearing care professional.

While there are some simple ways to troubleshoot hearing aid issues, it’s best to prevent problems before they even happen. The most effective way to do this is to clean and care for your hearing aids regularly. Here are some simple tips:

• Make cleaning and caring for your hearing devices a consistent part of your daily routine.
• Remember to remove your hearing aids when showering, taking a bath or even washing your face.
• Tools like a dry cloth, a pick and brush and a dehumidifier combat both moisture and wax.

Similarly, keeping your ears themselves clean will help minimize issues like debris and moisture in your hearing aids.

There are several things that may be wrong with your hearing device if you're troubleshooting. Some common things that your hearing care professional or the manufacturer may need to repair include:

• Internal tubing - This connects the hearing aid to the receiver and can get clogged with wax.
• Microphone - If you're having trouble with sound, the microphone is likely the culprit.
• Case - If this is damaged or cracked it will most likely need to go to the manufacturer for repairs.
• Battery compartment -  It’s possible the battery was just put in the wrong way, but if it’s more than this you may need the battery compartment repaired or replaced.