I wanted to create a page with a few troubleshooting tips for when you may not be able to visit us in the office.

Troubleshooting If Your Hearing Aid is Not Working

by | Jan 16, 2023 | Hearing Aid Repairs, Hearing Aids, Patient Resources, Technology, Troubleshooting

Your new hearing aid(s) can vastly improve the way you experience daily life, from hearing conversations better to enjoying a favorite hobby or activity. However, just like any new device, hearing aids can get complicated.

Here at Aim Hearing and Audiology, we are always eager to help you with all of your hearing aid questions and problems. But, when we are not in the office, I wanted to create a page with a few troubleshooting tips.

Below you will find a list of common hearing aid issues accompanied by tips on how to fix them:

Issue #1: No Sound

  • Some hearing aids turn on /off manually. Check that the hearing aid is turned on!
  • Make sure the volume is where you want it to be. It’s also very easy to accidentally change the volume settings when putting a hearing aid in.
  • If the power is on and the volume is set correctly, next check on the battery. Make sure that the battery is put in right side up, and that the cover is fully installed. If that seems OK, check to see if the battery needs to be charged or changed.
  • If your hearing aid is still not working properly, you may need to look at the receiver tube and/or Ear Wire speaker for a blockage.  If it is dirty or blocked, clean the tube and/or change the wax guard.
  • Lastly, check the microphone for dirt that may be preventing the sound from being picked up. If needed, clean the microphone of dust, dirt, and/or earwax and test it again.

Issue #2: Sound Isn’t Quite Right

  • Double-check that your proper program and volume settings are still set to your hearing aid. If they were accidentally changed, reset them back to the correct settings. If you need assistance changing them or don’t remember your settings, we are here to help. It is always helpful to write down your settings somewhere you won’t forget!
  • Often, wax, dirt, and lint can build up in the controls. To clear them out, you will need to rotate dials or switch any switches a few times to clear out any lingering debris. Just don’t forget to set them back to your specific settings before putting the hearing aid back in!
  • If the last step does not work, try thoroughly cleaning your hearing aid. Clear the tube, microphone, and earpiece of any wax, dust, lint, or any other debris that can collect and block the sound from reaching your inner ear.
  • Next, check your battery and the contacts on either side of the battery terminal. These contacts and the battery can become corroded over time and may need to be replaced.
  • If corrosion isn’t a problem, there may be moisture in your hearing aid. This can be solved by using a drying kit or a dehumidifier that removes moisture overnight while you’re sleeping. Don’t hesitate to contact our office for recommendations on these products!
  • If none of these troubleshooting steps solve the problem, come in and visit myself or one of our other hearing aid experts for assistance.

Issue #3: Whistling and Feedback

  • Check to make sure your hearing aid was inserted properly. Try taking it out and putting it back in, and remember to keep your head straight and still until the hearing aid is secured to ensure proper placement.
  • If the sound still isn’t right, try a different size earpiece or a closed tip dome earpiece instead for a different and more secure fit.
  • The whistling and feedback may also be the result of too much noise trying to get through the hearing aid, so try turning down the volume.
  • Next, inspect your hearing aid for any cracks in the tubing or the ear hook. If this is the case, bring your device into our office and we will replace the parts if needed.
  • If you find that none of these steps work or the whistling persists, sometimes it could mean that earwax is blocking sound from traveling through your ear canal. Blockages should be assessed and cleared by a professional, don’t do this yourself!

Issue #4: It Doesn’t Fit Quite Right

  • Have you dropped it at all? Even if it was a small fall that may have seemed insignificant, hearing aids are delicate devices and can be altered easily. If you have, do not try to fix it yourself. Wait until you can bring it to a trained professional to get fixed.
  • Remember, fit can change over time! If you feel like something isn’t right, don’t hesitate to bring it into our office and our staff will happily help you in any way we can.

When in doubt, come visit myself or any one of my colleagues at our office and we will most certainly be able to help you! If you are unable to make it to our office, you can also request a callback, and we will contact you via phone.

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Dr. Shannon Frymark Au.D., CCC-A

Shannon Frymark, Au.D., CCC-A, audiologist, was raised in Greensboro, NC. Dr. Shannon’s passion for the field of audiology stems from personal experience. Born with a hearing loss in both ears, she has worn hearing aids since age 3. She is considered a technology expert because of her experience with so many different hearing aids and assistive listening devices throughout the years.She received her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders and Master of Arts degree in Audiology from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. She was awarded her doctorate in Audiology from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry: School of Audiology. While in undergraduate and graduate school, she worked at the Central School for the Deaf as a residential counselor. Dr. Frymark spent the first five years of her audiology career with Florida Hospital in central Florida.

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