Hearing aids require attention to maintain peak performance. Knowing how to safely troubleshoot and address minor issues at home can restore function quickly and ensure consistent sound quality. This guide focuses on effective do-it-yourself techniques for common problems, while defining when complex internal malfunctions require a professional repair specialist. Most performance issues are solved by adhering to consistent, simple maintenance procedures, not internal repair.
Routine Maintenance and Initial Troubleshooting
Consistent daily care prevents the majority of hearing aid malfunctions, which often originate from simple blockages or power failures. The primary step in troubleshooting a silent or weak device is the battery check. This involves ensuring the battery is correctly inserted, cleaning the contacts, and replacing old disposable batteries with fresh ones. For rechargeable models, establishing a nightly charging routine guarantees full power for the next day’s use.
Cleaning procedures should be non-invasive and performed daily, typically using the soft brush and specialized tools provided by your audiologist. Gently clearing away earwax and debris from the microphone ports, speaker openings, and wax guards prevents sound degradation and complete failure. Strictly avoid using water, solvents, or sharp objects, as these can damage delicate internal components and may void the warranty.
Moisture is a threat to hearing aid electronics, requiring proper management for device longevity. Each night, remove the battery (for disposable models) and place the aids in a drying kit or electronic dehumidifier to remove accumulated perspiration and humidity. If the device goes silent, the troubleshooting flow involves checking the battery first, and then examining the sound outlet, wax filter, or dome for visible blockages preventing sound transmission.
Solving Specific Malfunctions
When simple cleaning and power checks fail to resolve a problem, the next step involves component replacement or adjustment that the user can safely perform at home. A frequent issue is whistling, or acoustic feedback, which occurs when amplified sound leaks out of the ear canal and is picked up by the microphone. The primary remedy is to check for proper insertion, ensuring the hearing aid or earmold is seated snugly in the ear to create a secure seal.
If proper fit does not eliminate the feedback, inspect the dome or ear tip for cracks, stiffness, or improper size, and replace it with a new one. A new dome should fit securely on the receiver or tubing.
Tubing Replacement (BTE Models)
For behind-the-ear (BTE) models, distorted or intermittent sound is often caused by a cracked, hardened, or moisture-filled plastic tube. Replacing the thin tubing requires detaching the old tube from the ear hook and the earmold. Use the old tube to measure the correct length for the new tube, and then push the fresh tube securely back into place.
For receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) or receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) models, the receiver wire may need replacement, which is a user-serviceable task on many devices. This involves locating a small release switch or tab where the wire connects, pressing down, and gently pulling the old wire away. The new wire, often color-coded for right (red) and left (blue) ears, then clicks into the same port to restore sound.
Issues with volume or program controls, such as buttons that stick or fail to activate, can sometimes be fixed by gently clearing debris from the button’s edges or switch area. Always confirm that the sound issue is not simply the result of an accidental program change. This change can often be reset through the hearing aid’s dedicated app or by cycling through the settings.
Knowing When to Seek Professional Repair
While many issues are user-fixable, some problems indicate damage to the internal electronics that necessitate professional service. Persistent feedback that cannot be resolved through cleaning or component replacement may signal an internal fault or an improper physical fit requiring adjustment by an audiologist. Indicators of damage beyond the scope of home repair include loud static, complete failure after an impact or drop, or volume that fluctuates without user input.
If a hearing aid is exposed to significant moisture, the immediate action is to remove the battery and place the device in a drying agent, but professional inspection is recommended. Water damage can cause internal corrosion that may not be immediately visible but can lead to long-term electronic failure. Visible physical damage, such as cracks in the casing or battery corrosion within the compartment, should also prompt a professional visit.
Attempting complex internal repairs, such as opening the hearing aid casing, will almost certainly void the manufacturer’s warranty. Users should check their warranty status before attempting any fix that involves more than external cleaning or simple component replacement. Seeking professional assistance for issues that resist troubleshooting protects the device from further damage and ensures repairs are performed using specialized tools and genuine parts.