Hearing Aid Troubleshooting Checklist- How to troubleshoot common hearing aid problems

Updated 09/10/2024

Hearing Aid Troubleshooting

Here we focus on troubleshooting some common problems with hearing aids

How to troubleshoot common hearing aid problems

Troubleshooting hearing aids involves checking for common issues such as dead batteries, blocked earwax filters, or improper settings. Users should clean the device, ensure it is turned on, and verify volume levels. Persistent problems may require a professional evaluation to diagnose and resolve more complex technical or fitting issues.

If you have hearing loss, hearing aids are the most common and successful treatment for it. To continue to hear at your best and to keep your hearing aids in optimum performance, it is important to identify, understand, and act when you stumble across hearing aid troubleshooting problems.

On this page, we go through the issues hearing aid wearers can experience on a day-to-day basis and offer some advice to help you tackle them.

What are the most common hearing aid problems?

My hearing aids sound distorted
My hearing aids are giving me feedback
My hearing aids aren't giving me any sound, or my hearing aids are dead
My hearing aids aren't loud enough for me

Below are our quick fixes for hearing aid troubleshooting problems, however, if you are unable to fix your hearing aid issues at home - you must contact your audiologist who can identify what is wrong and make the right steps to repair your hearing aids.

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Hearing Aid Troubleshooting: How to fix your hearing aids sound

Troubleshooting hearing aids and fixing Hearing Aids

My hearing aid's sound distorted or muffled

Examine your hearing aid batteries, do they look like they have corroded? If they do replace them with new ones.
Examine the battery's small metal prongs that connect with the hearing aid batteries when you close the device door. Do they look like they have corroded? Try closing and opening the device door to clean the metal prongs and then replace the batteries with new ones.
If you are struggling to clean the metal prongs, your audiologist can do this for you instead.
You might have switched the setting to a wireless one, which is generally used when using an assistive listening device. If so, use a different memory or program.
Check for blockages in the tubing or microphone openings, and clean them as recommended by your audiologist.
Check the battery voltage. If the batteries are low, it can affect sound quality. Replace them if necessary.
If the above doesn't work at home, your hearing aids might be damaged. If this is the case, contact your audiologist to book an appointment to look into a repair.

Hearing Aid Troubleshooting: Hearing aid problems with feedback or whistling sounds

Hearing Aid Problems and troubleshooting hearing aids

My hearing aids are giving me feedback

Remove your hearing aids and put them back in, as they might not be in correctly.
Turn down your device's volume. If the feedback continues your audiologist might have to re-fit your hearing aids, as the devices might have too much sound escaping through the vents or ear mold.
Your ears might have a build-up of ear wax, as this can cause feedback due to having to turn up the volume or sound bouncing off your wax.
If you have lost weight, you might have to have your hearing aids fitted again. For example, you might have to have new ear molds made to fit your new ear shape.

Hearing Aid Issues

Hearing Aid Problems

My hearing aids aren't giving me any sound, or my hearing aids are dead

Problems with your hearing aid's sound?

Examine your hearing aids, there might be ear wax trapped in the microphones or sound outlet. If so, gently clean away the blockage with a clean cloth.
Double-check your hearing aid is switched on. For instance, if the battery door isn't closed properly, this usually means that the battery has been put in upside down and the device will not work. Take the battery out reinsert it the right way up and close the battery door.
Turn up your hearing aid's volume or change programs to see if this helps.
Change the batteries, your hearing aid might be dead or need charging.
If the above doesn't work at home, your hearing aids might be damaged. If this is the case, contact your audiologist to book an appointment to look into a repair.

My hearing aids aren't loud enough for me

Examine your hearing aids and microphones for any blockage.
Try adjusting your hearing aid's volume through your Remote Control accessory or app. Some hearing aids have a remote care setting within your app, which would allow your audiologist to adjust your hearing aids for you remotely.
Switch memory or program to see if that helps.
Your hearing loss might have deteriorated, this means you'll have to see your audiologist to have a hearing test and potentially adjust your hearing aid's settings.

I'm having connectivity issues with my hearing aids (Bluetooth hearing aids)

Make sure the hearing aids are properly paired with your smartphone or other devices as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Check your device's Bluetooth settings to ensure it's connected to the correct hearing aids.

Troubleshooting hearing aids

My hearing aid's performance is inconsistent

Some hearing aids may struggle in windy or noisy environments. Consider using accessories like wind protectors or directional microphones if applicable.
Moisture can affect performance. Use a hearing aid dehumidifier overnight if moisture is a concern.
Ensure your hearing aids have the latest firmware updates, as manufacturers may release updates to improve performance.

Quick links to other useful information regarding hearing aid care maintenance and troubleshooting:

►Hearing aid batteries

►Ear wax removal

►Hearing aid maintenance at home

►How to get used to your hearing aids

►Hearing aid replacements

►Hearing aid aftercare

►Upgrading hearing aids

Hearing aid maintenance and troubleshooting

Need more support with hearing aid troubleshooting?

If you have tried all the above tips on how to fix hearing aid issues and have been unsuccessful - contact your audiologist for further assistance and professional help.

They might be able to fix your devices in the clinic or they might have to send off your hearing aid and repair at the manufacturer's headquarters. Regular maintenance and professional check-ups can also prevent many common problems.

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