Easy Hearing Aid Repairs

If you rely on hearing aids, any malfunction or problem with your hearing aids is a big deal. The good news is that most hearing aid problems can be easily solved at home. If you have a problem with your hearing aids, try these easy fixes at home before you call the audiologist.

Won’t turn on

Make sure the hearing aid power switch is in the “on” position. This simple fix repairs most “dead” hearing aids. After that, check that it was not accidentally switched to the telecoil setting.

Remove the batteries. Check the battery contacts to see if they are corroded or dirty. If necessary, clean the contacts with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol. Dry the contacts, insert new batteries and close the battery door tight.

If this doesn’t bring your hearing aid back to life, call the audiologist. Many repairs can be made while you wait.

Volume problems

If your hearing aids turn on but the volume is too low, check the volume control. Frequently, this is all you need to do. Sometimes a manual volume control gets accidentally turned down.

If the volume control is set properly, check the tubing next. The receiver tube can get clogged with wax, debris or water. If the tubing is all good, check the microphone for wax. Wax coating and clogging the microphone muffles the sound level.

If this didn’t solve the problem, your hearing aids might need a deep cleaning. Call the audiologist and make an appointment for a thorough cleaning.

Sound is distorted

If the volume is good but the sound is distorted, the batteries could be close to dead. The batteries may have enough strength to power the hearing aid on, but not enough to deliver a proper signal.

Simply replace the batteries and make sure you firmly close the battery door. Next, make sure the hearing aid is on the right setting. It might have been bumped by accident.

If these measures don’t solve the problem it is possible that internal components may be damaged. Take the hearing aid to the audiologist.

Whistling or feedback

Properly fitted hearing aids shouldn’t create feedback. If your hearing aids are new, go back to the audiologist to check the fit.

If you’ve been wearing the hearing aids with no problem and suddenly get feedback, you might have a build-up of earwax. Clean your ears and clean your earmold.

If you can’t remove the wax out from your ears or the hearing aid, schedule a professional cleaning.

Wet hearing aids

Your hearing aids may be water resistant, but they are not waterproof. If your hearing aids get wet, act quickly. Turn off the hearing aid and remove the batteries. Then try one or more of these methods of drying wet hearing aids.

• Use a fan or a hairdryer set to the low or no heat setting. Don’t try to dry them in the microwave!
• Place the hearing aids on clean newspaper and let air-dry. Set under a lamp. This method can take up to 24 hours.
• Place your hearing aids in your drying box and let them dry overnight.
• Once the hearing aid is dry, install fresh batteries, close the door firmly and turn the hearing aid on. If it doesn’t turn on, it’s time to call the audiologist.

In the event your hearing aid needs professional repairs, don’t hesitate to take it to your audiologist and allow them to access the damages. Your audiologist will be able to provide many on-site repair services and will inform you about all your options.