A non-functioning hearing aid can be frustrating, but the issue is often less severe than it seems. Before assuming an expensive internal failure, a methodical troubleshooting approach can quickly resolve most problems. These devices operate in a harsh environment of heat, moisture, and earwax, meaning simple maintenance oversights are the most frequent cause of failure. By systematically checking user-fixable factors, you can often restore full functionality within minutes.
The Power Check: Battery and Charging Issues
A lack of power is the simplest explanation for silence, requiring specific checks depending on the device type. For hearing aids using disposable batteries, always check the expiration date on the packaging, as an old battery may have insufficient capacity. Ensure the battery is inserted with the correct polarity, typically indicated by a small plus sign matching the symbol inside the compartment door. If the device powers on but sounds weak, swap the battery for a fresh one immediately, as an old battery may test fine but cannot deliver the necessary current.
Rechargeable hearing aids require verification of the entire charging system, not just the device itself. Confirm the hearing aid is seated correctly in the charging cradle, ensuring the charging contacts align with the pins in the case. Look for the indicator light on the charger or the hearing aid to confirm a charge is actively being accepted. If no lights appear, try plugging the charger into a different wall outlet or swapping the power cord, as the charger unit or cable may be the point of failure.
Physical Obstruction: Cleaning and Maintenance
The most common reason for weak or absent sound is a physical blockage from cerumen, or earwax. Most modern devices use a wax guard or filter located where the sound leaves the hearing aid, usually at the tip of the receiver or speaker. If the sound is muffled or completely silent, locate the two-sided replacement tool supplied by your manufacturer. Use the empty side to extract the clogged guard before inserting the new filter with the opposite end.
Blockages can also accumulate in the sound bore or tubing that connects the main unit to the dome or earmold. For devices with tubing, use the wire loop from your cleaning kit, carefully pushing it through the tube to expel any debris out the tip. Use a cleaning brush to gently clear the microphone ports, which are small holes that can become caked with dust or skin oils, reducing sound input. Moisture accumulation from sweat or humidity can still impede function, so placing the device in a drying kit or dehumidifier overnight can help restore performance.
Software and Settings: Program and Volume Checks
Modern hearing aids rely on digital settings that can be inadvertently altered. If the sound is weak, first check the physical volume control on the device to ensure it was not accidentally pressed all the way down. If connected to a smartphone app, open the application to check the volume level displayed there, as the digital control may override the physical switch. A quick off-and-on cycle can often reset temporary software glitches, accomplished by opening and closing the battery door or by holding the power button.
Your device may be stuck on an inappropriate listening program, such as a telecoil or a noise-reduction setting. Cycle through the different listening modes—usually by pressing a button on the hearing aid—to confirm you are on the general-purpose program. For devices that stream to a phone or accessory, poor Bluetooth connectivity can cause intermittent sound; try unpairing and re-pairing the hearing aids in your phone’s settings to re-establish a stable wireless connection.
When Professional Repair is Necessary
Once all user-level troubleshooting steps are exhausted, certain symptoms indicate an internal hardware failure that requires professional intervention. Visible physical damage, such as a crack in the plastic casing, a bent battery door, or corrosion on the metal battery contacts, means the device’s internal components have been compromised. Constant, loud whistling or feedback that persists after cleaning and re-seating may signal a loose internal microphone or receiver that requires soldering.
Intermittent cutting out, static, or distortion that occurs even with fresh batteries and a clear sound pathway is a sign of aging or damaged circuitry. These electrical issues cannot be fixed with home maintenance, and attempting to open the case can cause permanent damage and void the warranty. Contact your hearing care professional or audiologist, describing the symptoms and the troubleshooting steps you have already performed, and inquire about the device’s warranty or repair coverage.