For those of us who rely on hearing aids every day, they aren’t just a nice gadget to have – they’re a lifeline. When they stop working, it’s more than a slight inconvenience – it’s frustrating, upsetting and can even be isolating.
Being without your hearing aids can have a knock-on effect to your confidence, independence, and day-to-day life. However, all is not lost as the good news is that most hearing aid problems can be fixed.
It’s likely that whatever hearing aid trouble you’re experiencing, you’re not alone and you’re not the first to have experienced it. So, let’s take a look at some of the most common hearing aid problems and how they can be fixed – whether at home or by your audiologist.
Signs your hearing aid needs attention
Hearing aids are incredibly powerful devices that should function consistently, providing you have had them fitted by a professional audiologist and fine-tuned to suit your needs.
However, hearing aids, like many things, are vulnerable to wear and tear over time. Too much wear and tear can begin to impact their effectiveness and therefore the quality of your hearing.
So, some of the telltale signs that your hearing aid needs attention include:
1. Sound is weak, muffled, distorted, or cutting out
If your hearing aid has started to sound quieter than usual, the sound seems muffled or it cuts in and out, this could point to a number of different issues.
The root cause could be anything from a clogged microphone or receiver to a problem with the internal circuit. Either way, this shouldn’t be ignored as what starts out as a small annoyance could grow into a full-blown malfunction.
2. Whistling or feedback noises
Hearing aids are susceptible to feedback from time to time but if you’re consistently dealing with this type of high-pitched whistling sound, it might signal any of the following:
- The device isn’t sitting properly in your ear
- A blockage or build-up of ear wax
- A component has come loose
3. Hearing aid powers itself off
Your hearing aid randomly turning itself off is not only highly inconvenient but could be a sign of a serious power issue. If this happens regularly and you’re sure it isn’t just down to a low battery, it’s best to get it checked out.
4. Buttons or controls aren’t working
The physical controls on your hearing aid are essential for making quick adjustments, so if they start to stick, become unresponsive or behave unpredictably, this can make your hearing aids frustrating to use.
This could be due to anything from dirt or debris inside the buttons, or some type of internal damage.
5. Battery drains faster than normal
All hearing aids will come with a rough estimate as to how long a full charge/battery should last. If your hearing aid batteries aren’t lasting as long as they used to, this could point to a malfunction within the hearing aid, or it may just be that the battery contacts on both the hearing aid and charger need cleaning with a soft brush.
6. Physical damage i.e. cracks
Any small cracks in your hearing aids might not seem like a big deal at first – but even minor physical damage can lead to letting in moisture or dust, which can lead to more serious internal problems.
7. Moisture or condensation inside the device
Many of today’s hearing aids are designed to be water-resistant, not waterproof. Hearing aids and excessive moisture don’t mix well so if you spot any signs of condensation inside your device or if it feels damp, it needs looking at.
Even small amounts of trapped moisture can corrode internal components and cause permanent damage if left untreated.
Troubleshooting hearing aids at home
Many hearing aid problems can easily be resolved at home without the need for professional help or special equipment.
Here are a few things you can try at home to get your hearing aids working smoothly again.
Fixing your hearing aid’s sound
If your hearing aid doesn’t sound quite like it used to, try the below quick fixes:
- Check for blockages: There may be wax or debris in the microphone or receiver, which you can use a soft brush or hearing aid cleaning tool to gently remove.
- Replace the wax guard or filter: These small components can easily clog over time and affect sound quality, which can be resolved by replacing them.
- Change the battery: Even rechargeable hearing aids can sometimes benefit from a reset or a full recharge cycle.
Reducing hearing aid feedback
Feedback can happen when sound escapes your ear and gets picked up again by the microphone. This may be solved by:
- Ensuring the correct fit: Your hearing aid may need slightly repositioning in your ear, making sure it’s fully secure.
- Cleaning the ear mould or dome: Any dirt or debris build-up can cause caps that create sound leakage.
- Checking for earwax buildup: If your hearing aid is in full working order, your ears may need cleaning of excessive wax.
Increasing hearing aid volume
If your hearing aid has started sounding a bit too quiet, there are a few ways this may be resolved:
- Use the volume control: Depending on your model, you may have manual controls or be able to adjust the volume using an app.
- Check for auto volume settings: Some hearing aids automatically adjust based on your environment – make sure this isn’t working against you.
- Make sure the microphone isn’t blocked: Even a small blockage can reduce the level of volume you hear.
- Check your hearing: If your hearing aid still seems too quiet, there is a chance your hearing may have deteriorated, and you may be due another hearing test.
Solving Bluetooth connectivity issues
Issues with connecting hearing aids to other devices via Bluetooth are common but usually easy to fix:
- Restart both devices: Turn your hearing aid and your phone or tablet off and on again.
- Unpair and re-pair: Forget the hearing aid in your device’s Bluetooth settings and reconnect.
- Check for software updates: Ensure both your hearing aid app and your phone’s operating system are up to date.
- Keep devices close: Make sure nothing is interfering with the signal (like thick walls or other wireless devices).
For more help on pairing your hearing aids with your iPhone, check out Matthew Allsop’s how-to videos covering Phonak Lumity, Oticon Real, Resound Omnia, and Starkey Genesis AI.
Can hearing aids be repaired?
If your hearing aid issue seems a little more complex than those above or you’re simply struggling to fix it at home, don’t worry as repairs are still often an option in many cases.
Depending on the type of damage and the device itself, many common repairs include:
- Replacing worn or broken parts
- Fixing sound issues caused by clogged microphones, receivers, or wax guards
- Repairing battery contacts if your device isn’t powering on
- Correcting software glitches
- Re-securing loose components that may be causing feedback
In most cases, simple fixes like cleaning, replacing parts, or adjusting settings can often be handled at your audiology clinic. At Harley Street Hearing, I am a dedicated Hearing Care Assistant who offers an ‘on-demand’ technical support service.
All of our hearing aid patients benefit from this support for their hearing aids and accessories, including resolving any issues pairing with external devices and performing expert level repairs in-house. We’re also happy to assist anyone experiencing hearing aid issues, regardless of where the device was purchased. To find out more about this service, get in touch with us.
For more serious hearing aid issues, such as internal damage or water exposure, we may need to send the hearing aid back to the manufacturer, which we can do on your behalf.
How to prevent hearing aid problems
It goes without saying that preventing hearing aid issues is often easier, and cheaper, than fixing them. We recommend all of our patients to keep up with small daily habits that keep their devices working their best and avoid any unexpected breakdowns.
Some quick and easy tips you can follow include:
- Clean them daily (and gently) to remove ear wax, moisture, and debris
- Keep them dry – avoid water and store in a watertight case when not in use
- Handle with care to prevent drops or physical damage
- Replace wax guards and clean openings regularly
- Charge or replace batteries before they run low
- Schedule routine check-ups for deep cleaning and adjustments
For any further help with your hearing aids, please get in touch with Harley Street Hearing. Alongside our Hearing Aid Repairs & Adjustments service, our highly qualified clinical audiologists will ensure that you are wearing the most suitable device for your hearing needs.
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