Hearing aid trouble shooting by the hearing aid user can decrease unnecessary trips to the audiologist or hearing aid dispenser. The following is a list of problems associated with hearing aids and the repair solution you can perform at home. These are the most common problems but not exclusive. If you cannot solve the problem yourself, contact your local hearing aid dispenser or audiologist for more assistance. Better yet, arrange for regular hearing aid cleanings to stay ahead of the problem. These should be performed a minimum of twice a year. Most professionals will include this service in the price of the hearing aid. If you are not sure of the services provided by your professional, ask.

Dead – Hearing aid is not working at all.

Check if the hearing aid is turned on.

Check if the hearing aid battery is working by using a battery tester.

Check if the hearing aid battery is the correct size for the hearing aid.

Check to see if the battery is inserted properly; i.e. positive (+) to positive (+).

Clean the debris or earwax from the hearing aid tip (this is something that should be performed on a regular basis).

If a cord is part of the hearing aid (CROS hearing aid or body type), make sure that the cord is not broken, the connectors are clean, and that it is connected properly.

If it is a behind-the-ear hearing aid, make sure there is not moisture in the earmold tubing especially at the bend where the tubing enters the earmold,

Weak – The hearing aid is not as strong as normal.

Check to make sure there is no earwax in the tip.

Check/change the hearing aid battery.

If the weather is unusually humid, remove the hearing aid from your ear for 5 to 15 minutes.

If the weather is terribly cold, allow the hearing aid to come to room temperature.

Distorted

Check to make sure there is no earwax in the hearing aid tip.

Check/change the hearing aid battery.

Rotate the volume control quickly back and forth 15 to 20 times to clean off corrosion and oils.

Whistling (also see Hearing Aids: Why And What Is The Acoustic/Whistle Feedback?)

Check your ear for earwax.

Make sure hearing aid is properly inserted.

Lower the volume, even if lower than you normally use, to temporarily correct the problem.

Remove any object, hat, or scarf that may be causing the hearing aid to whistle.

Check with your hearing health professional to be sure there is no excessive wax in your ear and that the hearing aid is properly fitting your ear.

Incompatible with the telephone

Make sure you know how to properly hold the telephone to your ear.

Make sure your hearing aid is properly inserted in your ear.

If you use a T-coil, make sure it is properly set to the "T" position.

Make sure the telephone is "hearing aid compatible"

Obtain a "phone pad".

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