Why are My Hearing Aids Not Working? Common Problems and Fixes

When your  hearing aids stop working, everyday conversations quickly become hard work again. Most faults have a simple cause. Low power, earwax, moisture, poor fit and a dropped Bluetooth connection are among the most common, and many can be fixed at home in a few minutes.

This guide shows the most common hearing aid problems, how to fix each one safely, and when it is time to ask an audiologist.

Common Hearing Aid Problems and First Fixes

How to Troubleshoot Hearing Aids at Home

Work through these steps in order. Each one rules out a common cause before you move to the next.

1. Check the power. For disposable batteries, use a fresh battery of the correct size. Peel off the sticker, wait about a minute (check the packaging), then insert it the right way round and close the door fully. For rechargeable hearing aids, seat them firmly in the charger and check the charger has power.
2. Look for wax and debris. Check the wax filter, dome or earmold, sound outlet and microphone openings. Use the brush and tools supplied. 
3. Change parts that look blocked. Replace the wax filter and dome if they are clogged.
4. Dry them if they got wet. Take them out, remove disposable batteries, wipe them dry and use a drying box overnight. Never use a hairdryer, microwave or radiator. Heat can damage them.
5. Check the settings. It is easy to mute a hearing aid, change programme or lower the volume by accident, on the device or in the app.
6. Restart. Switch off and on, or place in the charger and remove. If they will not connect to your phone, restart the phone too. If that fails, remove the hearing aids from your phone’s Bluetooth list and pair them again, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Earwax and Your Hearing Aids

Earwax is one of the most common causes of a hearing aid that sounds weak, muffled or dead. Your hearing aids sit in your ears for hours every day, so wax and skin flakes collect on the wax filter, dome and microphone openings. Wax in your ear canal can also block sound before it reaches your eardrum.

If your ears feel blocked, do not use cotton buds. It can push wax in and make it worse. Book professional ear wax removal instead. People who wear hearing aids may be advised to have their ears checked every 6 to 12 months, or as their audiologist advises.

When Your Hearing Has Changed

If your hearing aids seem to have slowly become less helpful, the problem may be your hearing, not the device. Hearing can change over time. A hearing test and reprogramming can help the hearing aids match your hearing again. 

How to Prevent Common Hearing Aid Problems

• Clean them regularly. Use the tools recommended for your device. Check for wax and debris around the microphone, speaker and sound outlet.
• Keep them dry. Take them out before showering or swimming unless they are made for water. Store them somewhere dry.
• Look after the power. Keep spare disposable batteries handy. For rechargeable aids, use the right charger and keep the contacts clean. Rechargeable batteries wear out over time. If yours hold less charge than they used to, ask your audiologist about a battery replacement.
• Handle them with care. Avoid drops and heat. Keep them in their case when you are not wearing them.
• Book regular check-ups. A professional check can spot blocked parts, poor fit or a change in your hearing before they become a problem.

When to Get Professional Help

Book an appointment with your hearing aid provider if:

• A hearing aid stays silent, cuts out or crackles after you have worked through the steps above
• It whistles when worn, even after reinserting it and changing the dome
• The casing is cracked, the wire is damaged or the tube has split
• It still does not work properly after being dried out
• Your hearing aids seem less helpful than they used to
• To know when you should get a professional ear wax removal or a hearing aid, read this blog: “Do You Need Ear Wax Removal or a Hearing Test? How To Tell the Difference?”