My Hearing Aid Has Stopped Working: What Should I Do?
A hearing aid that stops working can throw your entire day off. Whether there is no sound at all, the volume has dropped, or things sound distorted, the good news is that the majority of problems are straightforward to identify and many can be fixed at home in minutes.
This guide walks you through the most common causes and what to do about each one before you need to contact your audiologist.
Check the Battery or Charging First
This is always the first thing to check. It is also the most common cause of a hearing aid suddenly going silent.
Rechargeable hearing aids
Make sure the device is sitting correctly in the charger. A slightly misaligned placement means it will not charge properly. Leave it in the charger for at least 30 minutes and try again. If the device still does not power on, the rechargeable battery inside may need replacing, which your audiologist can arrange.
Disposable battery hearing aids
Remove the battery and reinsert it, making sure it is the right way round and fully seated. If the battery is more than a few days old, replace it with a fresh one. Batteries can lose charge quickly in cold weather or if the tab was pulled prematurely. Always store spare batteries at room temperature.
Check the Wax Guard
The wax guard is a tiny filter at the tip of your hearing aid that protects the speaker from earwax. It is the most common cause of a hearing aid producing no sound or very reduced sound.
Over time, wax builds up in the guard and blocks sound from reaching your ear. Most audiologists recommend replacing the wax guard roughly once a month, though this varies depending on how much wax you produce.
If your wax guard looks discoloured or blocked, replace it. Most hearing aids come with a small changing tool and replacement guards. If you have run out of replacements, contact your audiologist. Do not attempt to clear the old guard with a sharp object.
Clean the Microphone and Sound Opening
Even if the wax guard looks fine, debris can accumulate around the microphone ports and sound openings. Use the small brush that came with your hearing aid to gently clean these areas. Do this over a soft surface in case the device slips.
Avoid blowing into the hearing aid to try to clear blockages. Moisture from your breath can cause further damage.
Check for Moisture Damage
Hearing aids are exposed to sweat, humidity, and occasionally rain. Moisture is one of the leading causes of hearing aid malfunction and can cause crackling, intermittent sound, or complete failure.
If you suspect moisture is the issue, place your hearing aid in a hearing aid drying pot or dehumidifier overnight. These are inexpensive and available from most audiologists. Do not use a microwave, oven, or hairdryer to dry the device. Leave the battery door open if your device uses disposable batteries, which allows air to circulate.
A dehumidifier used regularly, particularly in summer months or if you sweat during exercise, can significantly extend the life of your hearing aids.
Check the Settings
It sounds obvious, but it is worth checking that:
- The volume has not been accidentally turned down
- The device is not set to a programme designed for a different environment, such as a telephone programme, which may sound quieter in everyday use
- The hearing aid is properly seated in your ear
If your hearing aids connect to a smartphone app, check the app settings as well. Sometimes adjustments made accidentally via the app can affect how the device sounds.
Restart the Device
A simple restart can resolve a range of unexplained issues. For rechargeable devices, place the hearing aid in the charger, leave it for a few seconds, and remove it. For devices with a battery door, open and close the door to restart.
When to Contact Your Audiologist
If you have worked through the steps above and the hearing aid is still not working, it is time to get in touch with your audiologist. Contact them if:
- The device has been dropped or knocked and the casing is damaged
- There is a visible crack or broken component
- The sound is distorted or feedback has become constant
- The device powers on but provides no benefit even after cleaning and a wax guard change
- You have not had a check-up or service in over 12 months
Most hearing aids can be sent away for repair by the manufacturer if needed. Your audiologist can assess whether a repair, service, or replacement is the right course of action.
Could It Be Your Ears Rather Than the Device?
Occasionally, a hearing aid that seems to have stopped working is actually functioning fine. The issue can be a change in your hearing or a blockage in your ear canal, most commonly earwax.
If your hearing has changed noticeably or your ears feel full or blocked, book an appointment for a hearing assessment or earwax check before assuming the device is at fault.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a hearing aid last before needing repair? Most hearing aids last around five years with proper maintenance. Repairs can be needed sooner if the device is regularly exposed to moisture or is dropped frequently.
Can I clean a hearing aid with water? No. Unless your hearing aid is specifically rated as waterproof, water should not be used to clean it. Use only the dry brush and tools provided.
My hearing aid is making a whistling sound. What does that mean? Whistling, known as feedback, usually means the hearing aid is not sitting correctly in your ear, the volume is too high, or there is a wax blockage preventing sound from entering the ear canal properly. Check the fit and the wax guard first.
What if my hearing aid is out of warranty? Many hearing aid manufacturers still offer paid repair services for out-of-warranty devices. Your audiologist can advise on whether repair or replacement is the more cost-effective option.
Book a Hearing Aid Check in Leicestershire
If you are based in Loughborough, Mountsorrel, Hinckley, Coalville, or anywhere across Leicestershire and your hearing aid is not working as it should, I offer home visit appointments across the area.
I am a fully qualified audiologist accredited by the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists (BSHAA) and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). All fittings include Real Ear Measurements as standard.
Call 07502 353946 or click here to book an appointment.