Trouble-shooting Your Hearing Aids

For the most part, today’s  hearing aids are exceptionally reliable and durable.  Most of the failures of today’s hearing aids are due to natural causes, not failure of the components.  Some of the more common problems encountered are from ear wax, body oil, moisture, dry skin, and dirty or oily hands. Because the electronics of custom style hearing aids sit deep in your ear, they are more susceptible to damage from the invasion of these substances than other styles. 

Because hearing aid failure is almost always unpredictable and sometimes occurs at the most critical and inopportune time, you can trouble-shoot many of the problems yourself. To begin, you are encouraged to read the instruction booklet which came with your hearing aids. Then use the list below of common problems associated with hearing aids to find the right solution.  Lastly, to reduce the number of the problems you experience, arrange for regular hearing aid check-ups and cleanings with one of our hearing instrument specialists.

To help reduce or completely avoid costly repairs, a routine cleaning schedule should be established with one of our hearing instrument specialists.  We recommend that your hearing aids be professionally cleaned at least every three (3) months.  More frequent cleanings may be required if you are prone to ear wax build up.  Between visits it is recommended that you exercise care in handling your hearing aids and perform routine cleaning and maintenance on your own.  For more information on how to take care of your hearing aids, refer to the “Care and Maintenance” section of our website.

Problem	Possible Causes	Solutions
Whistling Squealing Echo effect Feedback	§  Improper or loose fit §  Inserted incorrectly §  Volume too loud §  Hand/clothing near ear     §  Ear wax accumulated in ear canal §  Stiff, cracked or damaged tubing §  Earmold or hearing aid too small §  Internal component malfunction	ü Consult one of our hearing instrument specialists ü Reinsert ü Turn volume down slightly ü Move hand/clothing away from ear ü Consult one of our hearing instrument specialists ü Replace tubing (for BTEs)     ü Consult one of our hearing instrument specialists ü Consult one of our hearing instrument specialists
Whirring Motor-boating Fading Frying noise Scratchy sound Crackling	§  Low battery §  Dirty battery contacts   §  Dirty or corroded battery	ü  Replace battery ü  Consult hearing health professional ü  Clean battery surfaces with dry cloth
Not clear Distorted	§  Weak battery §  Poorly fitting earmold    §  Earmold or sound bore clogged §  Volume control set too low or too high §  Dirty or corroded battery contacts   §  Improper fit     §  Tubing or hearing aid exposed to moisture §  Earmold or hearing aid not vented §  Internal component malfunction	ü Replace battery ü Consult hearing health professional ü Clean earmold or hearing aid per instructions ü Check volume setting   ü Open and close the battery drawer several times or replace battery ü Reinsert carefully and consult one of our hearing instrument specialists ü Dry using dri-aid jar    ü Consult one of our hearing instrument specialists ü Consult one of our hearing instrument specialists
Not working No Sound Dead	§  Not turned on §  Battery low/dead §  Battery contacts corroded or damaged §  Battery upside down §  Battery wrong size §  Blocked sound port §  Volume low §  Microphone blocked   §  Earmold or sound bore clogged §  Tubing clogged or has moisture in it §  Telecoil activated     §  Internal component malfunction	ü Turn hearing aid on ü Replace battery ü Consult one of our hearing instrument specialists ü Insert battery (+) up ü Use correct size of battery ü Clear earmold blockage ü Turn up volume control ü Clean hearing aid per instructions ü Clean hearing aid per instructions ü Clean tubing and dry with tubing blower ü Set MTO switch to “M” for microphone (for BTEs) or toggle through programs ü Consult one of our hearing instrument specialists
Not loud enough Weak	§  Volume low §  Weak battery §  Earmold or sound bore clogged   §  Earmold or hearing aid loose   §  Change in hearing      §  Cold batteries      §  Partially blocked microphone     §  Internal component malfunction	ü Turn up volume control   ü Replace battery   ü Clean earmold or hearing aid per instructions   ü Consult one of our hearing instrument specialists   ü Consult one of our hearing instrument specialists    ü Allow batteries to warm gradually to room temperature   ü Clean hearing aid per instructions   ü Consult one of our hearing instrument specialists
Intermittent Cuts in/out Goes on/off	§  Weak battery §  Battery contacts dirty, broken, or corroded §  Hearing aid/tubing exposed to moisture §  Cracked/fraying tubing (for BTEs) §  Dirty/defective volume control §  Earmold/sound bore partially clogged §  Internal component malfunction	ü Replace battery ü  Consult one of our hearing instrument specialists ü  Dry in dri-aid jar   ü  Replace tubing   ü  Clean hearing aid per instructions ü  Clean hearing aid per instructions ü  Consult one of our hearing instrument specialists
Short battery life	§  Battery engaged all day   §  Batteries stored in extreme temperatures §  Feedback or whistling     §  Internal component malfunction	ü  Turn hearing aids off when not in use ü  Store batteries in cool, dry place ü  Feedback drains battery life refer above to things to check for feedback ü  Consult one of our hearing instrument specialists

This information is not intended to, nor can it, take the place of one of our hearing instrument specialists repairing and maintaining your hearing aids. It is intended to help you become more knowledgeable about how to take care of your own hearing aids and troubleshoot minor problems. Remember, that some hearing aid failure will be unpreventable and beyond your control. If you continue to have problems with your hearing aids, call one of our hearing instrument specialists to schedule an appointment for assistance.