Common Hearing Aid Issues

Hearing aids are miracles of modern technology. They are tiny electronic devices that include computer processors, amplifiers, microphones and more. They are sophisticated equipment and can occasionally malfunction. The most common hearing aid issues are usually minor and can be fixed at home or at the audiologist’s office.

1. Blocked tubing

Tubing connects the hearing aid to the earmold. A blockage in this tubing is one of the most common problems. If earwax or water blocks the tubing then sound can’t get through.

You can try to clean the blockage yourself. Just gently pull the hearing aid off the tubing. Then you can wash the earmold and tubing with warm soapy water. By running warm water through the tubing you should be able to push out all the wax. Make sure the tubing is completely dry before you reconnect it to your hearing aid. It is a good idea to do this before you go to bed so it has the overnight period to dry out.

Whistling and feedback

Feedback can sound like a loud whistling noise or a terrible squeal that just won’t go away. It happens when sound escapes your hearing aid only to be amplified over and over again. It is like a loop with no end.

If you get feedback when you first start wearing your hearing aids, you need to take them back to the audiologist to check the fitting. The earmold may not be properly fitting in your ear. 

If you get feedback after you have been wearing your hearing aids, earwax may be the culprit. Make sure the hearing aid is clean and your ears are free of wax, as well. If you have heavy wax buildup it may need to be cleaned by your audiologist. If you have an ear infection and have swelling in the ear canal, this can also cause feedback. The feedback will go away once the swelling and infection is gone.

Make sure your hearing aid is fitting properly and the microphone and amplifier are in the correct locations. Many times this will solve feedback problems. If it does not, call the audiologist. Some audiologists will check your hearing aids for feedback without an appointment, but call first before you walk in.

2. No sound from hearing aid

If you can’t hear anything with your hearing aid, the first thing to do is check and make sure it is turned on. Don’t laugh, but they can accidently be turned off, so rule this out first. 

Second, check that the battery is good and the battery door is closed. It’s a good idea to store your hearing aids overnight with the battery door open. This allows any moisture to evaporate and it keeps you from accidently leaving the hearing aid in the “on” position all night draining the battery.

Third, make sure it isn’t on the “t” or telecoil setting. Once again, don’t laugh but this is one of the most common reasons you aren’t hearing any noise.

3. Visit your hearing professional

If the problem with your hearing aid is more complex or if your problem and possible solution aren’t found above, then call your audiologist. They are not only your hearing experts; they are your hearing aid experts. They may be able to identify the problem over the phone and if not they will schedule a time for you to have your hearing aids checked in the office.