Academy of Rehabilitative Audiology 

Hearing Aid Troubleshooting

Problem: my hearing aid is dead.

1. Ensure battery door is closed and hearing aid is turned on.

2. Check battery placement.

3. Change the battery.

4. Check for earwax in the receiver.

5. Check for debris on the microphone.

6. Call your audiologist.

Problem: my hearing aid is weak.

1. Ensure that you are in the correct program.

2. Reinsert the hearing aid to ensure it’s inserted correctly.

3. Change the battery.

4. Check for earwax in the receiver.

5. Check for debris on the microphone.

6. Check for moisture in the tubing (for BTEs).

7. Call your audiologist.

Problem: my hearing aid keeps whistling.

1. Ensure proper insertion of hearing aid.

2. Check your volume control. It may be too high.

3. Check for earwax in the receiver.

4. Check the fit of your earmold (for BTEs).

5. See if your earmold tubing is hard (BTEs).

6. Call your audiologist.

Preventative measures:

• Do a routine visual check of your hearing aids. Keep them clean to ensure the length of life for your hearing aids. Remember to make cleaning part of your daily routine!
   

• Store your hearing aids in a safe place, where chances of being knocked to the ground are minimal.
   

• Use a dri-aid kit nightly to rid your hearing aid(s) of excess moisture. Be sure to recharge your dri-aid kit often.
   

• Keep your hearing aid from extreme temperatures. Avoid leaving them in your glove compartment or near the oven.
   

• Be aware of the weather! If it’s raining or you expect to be sweating more than usual, take off your hearing aids. In humid weather, keep your hearing aids stored in a dry container.