Hearing Aid Not Working? 7 Quick Fixes

When your hearing aid stops working, it can disrupt your day. The good news? Most issues are simple to resolve at home. Here’s how you can troubleshoot and fix common hearing aid problems:

• Power Issues: Check the battery for proper placement, expiration, or charge. Restart the device.
• Cleaning: Remove earwax or debris from the microphone, receiver, and other parts.
• Volume or Settings: Adjust volume, cycle through programs, or reset settings.
• Repositioning: Ensure the device fits snugly and is inserted correctly.
• Moisture: Dry the device and use a dehumidifier if needed. Even waterproof hearing aids can get water-logged.
• Physical Damage: Inspect for cracks, loose parts, or worn tubing.
• Bluetooth Problems: Reconnect or reset Bluetooth settings on your phone or device.

If these steps don’t solve the issue, consult a professional. Addressing problems early can prevent further complications and keep your hearing aids in good condition.

Hearing aids can encounter occasional hiccups, but most issues are straightforward to address. Here are seven practical steps to troubleshoot common problems and get your device functioning smoothly again.

1. Check Power and Battery

Start with the basics – power and battery. If you’re using disposable zinc-air batteries, take them out and double-check the expiration date. These batteries typically last 3 to 7 days, depending on usage. Ensure the battery is inserted correctly, with the flat side (positive) facing up, and that the positive (+) and negative (–) symbols in the battery compartment align properly.

For rechargeable models, place your hearing aids in their charging case for at least 30 minutes. Look for the charging indicator light – red means charging, while green or blue signals they’re fully charged. Also, make sure the charging contacts are clean and properly aligned.

Finally, restart your hearing aid. Turn it off, wait about 10 seconds, and turn it back on. You should hear a startup tone or feel a vibration, depending on your device.

2. Clean Your Device

If power isn’t the issue, cleaning might be the next step. Regular cleaning not only ensures better performance but also prolongs the life of your hearing aid.

Always clean your hearing aids with clean hands. Hold the device with the openings facing downward so debris falls away. For behind-the-ear models, use a soft brush or dry cloth to remove dirt. If you use domes, wipe them down daily and replace them every one to two months.

For in-the-ear models, gently brush the microphone cover, receiver, and vent openings. Use a wax pick or wire loop to clear stubborn buildup, but avoid inserting anything into the microphone or receiver ports. Wax filters should be replaced every three to four weeks or as needed.

Never submerge your hearing aids in liquid or use cleaning solutions not specifically designed for them. Regular wipes or alcohol-based products can cause permanent damage.

3. Adjust Volume and Settings

Accidental changes to volume or settings can disrupt your hearing experience. Check the volume first – most hearing aids have buttons or an app for this. Gradually increase the volume to see if it resolves the issue.

If your device has multiple programs for different environments, cycle through them to find the best fit. For models with a t-coil, ensure you’re not stuck in loop mode, as it’s designed for specific systems and could make regular conversations sound faint or nonexistent.

4. Reinsert or Reposition Your Hearing Aid

Improper placement can lead to feedback, discomfort, or poor sound quality. Remove your hearing aid and inspect both the device and your ear for any visible issues.

For behind-the-ear models, check that the dome or earmold isn’t twisted or damaged and that the tubing follows the natural curve of your ear without kinking. For in-the-ear models, ensure the device sits securely without causing discomfort.

A snug fit should feel natural and comfortable, with minimal feedback or whistling. Adjust the placement as needed to achieve a better seal.

5. Remove Moisture and Check Environment

Moisture can wreak havoc on hearing aids. Look for condensation in the battery compartment or tubing. If you spot water droplets, remove the battery and let the device air dry for several hours.

If your hearing aid has been exposed to extreme temperatures, let it acclimate for 15–20 minutes. To tackle persistent moisture, consider using a dehumidifier overnight. These range from simple desiccant jars to advanced electronic drying units with UV light.

As a precaution, always remove your hearing aids before showering, swimming, or applying hair products.

6. Look for Physical Damage

Physical wear and tear can also impact performance. Check your hearing aid for cracks, loose or broken wires, or damaged tubing. Buttons and switches should move freely without sticking.

For behind-the-ear models, inspect the tubing for cracks or discoloration, especially where it connects to the main unit. For in-the-ear devices, examine the casing for any cracks that might allow moisture to seep in.

If you notice damage, stop using the device and contact your hearing care provider to prevent further complications.

7. Fix Wireless and Bluetooth Connections

Modern hearing aids often rely on Bluetooth for features like phone calls and music streaming. If you’re having connection issues, start by toggling Bluetooth off and on in your smartphone’s settings. Check your paired devices list to ensure your hearing aid is connected. If it’s not, tap its name to reconnect.

If the issue persists, remove your hearing aid from your Bluetooth settings, put it back into pairing mode, and reconnect following the manufacturer’s instructions.

For wireless accessories like remote microphones or TV streamers, ensure they’re charged, within the recommended range (usually about 30 feet), and properly paired. If sound clarity is an issue, try moving closer to the audio source or away from other electronic devices that might interfere.

Troubleshooting Summary Table

Here’s a handy table to help you quickly identify and address common hearing aid problems.

If these fixes don’t resolve the problem, consult a professional for further assistance.

Important: Sudden hearing loss, severe pain, ear discharge, or signs of infection require immediate attention from a professional. While many issues can be resolved with basic troubleshooting like cleaning or battery replacement, persistent problems should always be evaluated by an expert.

When Should You Stop Troubleshooting on Your Own?

Your hearing aid not working doesn’t always signal disaster. But recognizing when DIY ends and professional help begins protects your device and your wallet.

Physical damage shows up in obvious ways:

• Cracks snake across the shell
• Components warp from heat or pressure
• Tubing tears at connection points
• Water spots appear inside the case

These visible problems need expert hands, not home fixes. Water damage demands even faster action.

Battery troubles that outlast simple replacement point to deeper issues. Fresh batteries dying before lunch indicate internal drain problems. Visible corrosion spreading across battery compartments signals chemical damage. Devices refusing to power on despite brand-new batteries need diagnostic equipment you don’t have at home.

Signs Your Hearing Aid Not Working Problem Needs a Pro

Erratic behavior reveals component failure you can’t fix at home:

• Volume levels drift up and down without input
• Random power cycles happen throughout the day
• Sound cuts in and out during conversation
• Feedback appears constantly despite repositioning

When your hearing aid not working problems survive every troubleshooting step, professional diagnosis becomes necessary.

Contact Injoy Hearing for free consultations that pinpoint problems fast. Licensed hearing care providers use remote troubleshooting to determine whether your device needs repair or simple reprogramming.

DIY vs. Professional Repair Decision Guide

Attempting repairs beyond your expertise creates bigger problems. Warranty violations happen easier than you think. Opening sealed compartments voids most manufacturer warranties. Using non-approved cleaning methods does the same.

How Does Injoy Hearing Make Repairs Simple and Affordable?

Injoy Hearing streamlines the entire repair process from diagnosis to delivery. If your hearing aid not working issue happens during the warranty period, you pay only shipping costs. Most repairs return fully functional devices within one week.

The Injoy Repair Process

Remote assessment starts the process efficiently:

1. Schedule a free video consultation
2. Licensed hearing care provider diagnoses the issue
3. Many problems get solved through remote programming
4. Ship device only if physical repair is needed
5. Receive tracking updates throughout the process
6. Get your working device back within seven days

For hearing aids beyond warranty coverage, Injoy delivers honest pricing upfront. No hidden fees appear after repairs complete. Their hearing care providers explain the problem in plain language, outline what repairs cost, and give accurate completion timeframes.

Injoy Hearing Repair Service Comparison

Remote programming eliminates shipping for many “repairs” entirely. Connectivity issues, volume problems, and comfort adjustments happen through video appointments. Your hearing care provider makes real-time changes while you test results in your own environment.

What Warranty Coverage Actually Includes

Understanding warranty benefits helps you act quickly when your hearing aid not working problems begin:

Typically covered:

• Speaker and receiver failures
• Battery door malfunctions
• Circuit and electronic problems
• Manufacturing defects

Usually NOT covered:

• Physical damage from drops
• Water damage (unless rated water-resistant)
• Normal wear items (domes, filters, tubing)
• Loss or theft

Injoy Hearing navigates warranty claims efficiently because they handle hundreds monthly. Their experience gets your claim approved faster than navigating the process alone.

Get Your Hearing Aid Working Again

Don’t let hearing aid problems disconnect you from conversations and life. Contact Injoy Hearing today for free remote troubleshooting. Their licensed hearing care providers diagnose issues quickly and get your devices back to full function. With warranty repairs covered for just shipping costs and one-week turnaround times, you’ll be hearing clearly again before you know it.