Most Common Hearing Aid Problems and How to Fix Them

Modern hearing aids are tougher than ever, but that doesn’t mean they can’t malfunction or get damaged, especially with heavy use. Thankfully, many hearing aid problems can be easily fixed without costing much of your time or money. If you have hearing aids, you’ll want to be familiar with these common hearing aid problems and what you can do to fix them – either at home or in a hearing instrument specialist’s office.

Battery problems

Battery issues (dead or dud batteries, inconsistent power, corroded connections and broken battery compartments, to name a few) are one of the most common problems for hearing aid wearers. Keep in mind that the lifespan of most hearing aid batteries is short – anywhere from three days to three weeks depending on the type of battery, its capacity and the amount of time you use the hearing aid. Even rechargeable batteries will eventually lose their lifespan and need to be replaced. Check the battery right away if your hearing aid stops working and keep a stash of fresh batteries (or your charger) with you wherever you go so you’re never left without working hearing aids. If you suspect your batteries aren’t lasting like they should, contact the manufacturer and/or your hearing instrument specialist for advice.

Earwax blockages

Just as earwax can interfere with your hearing when it builds up in your ears, it can also interfere with your hearing aids by blocking the tubing, microphone, or receiver. This is one of the easiest problems to fix: clean your hearing aid daily and clean it thoroughly. Make sure you learn the right methods and use the right tools, available through a hearing instrument specialist.

BTE tubing damage

In behind-the-ear (BTE) style hearing aids, a tiny, clear tube delivers sound from the body of the hearing aid to the ear canal. When this tubing becomes dried out, it cracks easily. It can also get clogged with moisture from sweat and the environment. Both problems can mean difficulty hearing. Take good care of your tubing by cleaning it daily, blowing moisture out with a bulb blower and letting it dry overnight. Keep on top of any signs of damage by inspecting it carefully as you clean. When tubing is damaged, replace it (yourself, if you’ve been taught) or have it replaced by your hearing instrument specialist promptly.

A poor fit

Even if your hearing aid was professionally fit in the past, your ears change over time. This might not seem like a serious problem, but in closed-style hearing aids, it is. Any gaps between your ear and the hearing aid can hinder its performance. If it seems like your hearing aid isn’t fitting the way it should, it’s time for a refitting, repair and possibly an entirely new earmold. Visit a hearing instrument specialist, who can assess the best way to get your hearing aid fitting perfectly again.