4 Signs Your Hearing Aids Need Repair

Hearing aids are digital devices without moving parts. That doesn’t mean they never need repair. From time to time, you may experience problems. Here are four signs your hearing aids need repair:

1. They won’t turn on

Most causes for failure to turn on lie in the power source: the batteries. If your hearing aids won’t turn on try these troubleshooting tips:

• Install fresh batteries
• Check the contacts for signs of corrosion – clean if necessary
• Make sure the battery door is completely closed
• Check the settings – make sure it is not in the telecoil setting
• Make sure the hearing aid is in the “on” position

If you perform these steps and the hearing aid still does not turn on, it’s time to take them in for repair.

2. Turns on – doesn’t produce sound

If your hearing aids power up, but still don’t seem to work you can try a few troubleshooting tricks at home.

• Check the microphone. If it is blocked by wax, it can’t pick up sound. If the microphone can’t pick up sound, the amplifier can’t make it louder.
• Inspect the earmold tubing. If it is clogged, sound won’t get through. Remove the tubing and see if you can blow through it. If clogged, use gentle air pressure (from canned air) or water pressure to clear the clog.

If your hearing aids turn on but you still can’t hear after performing the above steps, take them to the audiologist for repair

3. Sound is distorted or fades in and out

If sounds are distorted or the quality of sound is not consistent, there are several sources to check.

• Start with the power source. Inspect the contacts in the battery compartment. If they are corroded, clean with a cotton swab and alcohol.
• Change the batteries. They may have enough power to turn on, but not enough to provide a consistent power source.
• If your hearing aids have multiple settings, make sure the correct setting or program is selected.

If you still have distorted sound or inconsistent quality, it’s time to take your hearing aids in for a repair.

4. Whistling or feedback

If you have whistling or feedback, you probably need to take your hearing aids in for repair. You can make sure that both your ears and your hearing aids are clean and free of wax, but that is about all you can do at home to correct feedback.

If your hearing aids aren’t providing the quality of sound to which you are accustomed, call the audiologist and schedule a check-up for your hearing aids.