If you put your hearing aids in and notice one isn’t working, you are always welcome to call your local HearingLife for help, but what happens if it’s the weekend and HearingLife is closed? Here are some simple things you can try to troubleshoot the most common issues.
1. Check the batteries or charger
One of the first things to check when your hearing aids stop working is their power supply.
If you wear rechargeable hearing aids, make sure they have been charged properly. Check that your charger is plugged in and that both hearing aids are seated correctly. Most rechargeable devices have indicator lights that display their charging status.
If your hearing aids use disposable batteries, try replacing them with a fresh set. Make sure the batteries are inserted correctly and that the battery compartments are completely closed.
You can also try turning your hearing aids off and back on. Sometimes a simple restart is enough to resolve a temporary issue.
2. Check for earwax buildup
Earwax is one of the most common reasons hearing aids suddenly sound quieter or stop producing sound altogether.
Many hearing aids have small wax filters designed to prevent earwax and debris from entering the internal components. Over time, these filters can become clogged, blocking sound from reaching your ear.
Start by removing your hearing aids and inspecting the earpieces. If you notice visible earwax or debris, gently clean the exterior using the cleaning tools provided by your hearing care professional. If you don’t have these tools, give your provider a call and see if you can get them before you need them.
If your hearing aids have replaceable wax filters, changing them may immediately restore the sound. Be sure to use the correct replacement filters for your specific hearing aid model.
Never insert sharp objects into the hearing aids to remove wax, as this can damage their delicate components.
3. Make sure your hearing aids are inserted correctly
If your hearing aids are whistling, producing feedback, or sounding unusually quiet, check that they are seated correctly in your ears.
A hearing aid or earpiece that has shifted out of position may allow amplified sound to escape, creating an irritating whistling noise. Incorrect positioning can also affect sound quality and comfort.
Remove the hearing aid and carefully reinsert it according to your hearing care provider's instructions. Check that the dome or custom earmold is properly attached and that nothing appears damaged.
If your hearing aids repeatedly slip out of place or become uncomfortable, contact your hearing care professional. You may need an adjustment to improve their fit and retention.
4. Check for moisture
Hearing aids are exposed to moisture from humidity, perspiration, and everyday activities. Although many modern hearing aids are water-resistant, excessive moisture can still interfere with their performance.
If you suspect moisture is causing the problem, gently wipe your hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth and allow them to dry in a well-ventilated area. If you have an approved hearing aid dehumidifier, follow its instructions.
For devices with disposable batteries, remove the batteries and leave the compartments open.
Avoid using hair dryers, microwaves, or other heat sources to dry your hearing aids. If the devices have been submerged in water or continue malfunctioning after drying, contact your hearing care professional.
5. Having trouble connecting to your phone?
Sometimes your hearing aids may work perfectly for everyday conversations but suddenly stop streaming phone calls, music, or television audio.
If this happens, the problem may be related to Bluetooth® connectivity rather than the hearing aids themselves.
First, check that Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone and that your hearing aids are connected. Try turning Bluetooth off and back on, restarting your smartphone, and restarting your hearing aids.
If the problem continues, consult your hearing aid manufacturer's instructions for reconnecting or pairing your devices. The process may vary depending on your hearing aid model and smartphone.
6. What if nothing seems to work?
If you've checked the power supply, cleaned your hearing aids, replaced the wax filters, and restarted your devices without success, it may be time to contact your hearing care professional.
Sometimes the problem is more than a clogged filter or depleted battery. Internal components, such as the receiver or microphones, can become damaged and may require professional attention.
Your hearing care provider can inspect the devices, perform a listening check, determine whether repairs are necessary, and make programming adjustments if needed.
If your hearing aids appear to be working but you're still struggling to hear conversations, your hearing may have changed. A follow-up hearing evaluation can help determine whether your current settings are still appropriate.
Keep your hearing aids working their best
Regular maintenance can help prevent many common hearing aid problems. Make a habit of wiping your devices down at the end of the day, checking for earwax buildup, and keeping your hearing aids clean and dry.
Your hearing care professional can also show you how to replace wax filters, clean your specific devices, and recognize when something needs professional attention.
We're here to help
If your hearing aids still aren't working after trying these troubleshooting steps, don't hesitate to reach out. At HearingLife, we're happy to help you determine what's causing the problem and get you back to hearing comfortably.
Contact your local HearingLife office or call 1-844-836-5003 to arrange a hearing aid check or repair appointment.
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