How To Repair Hearing Aids

DIY Hearing Aid Repairs

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Hearing Aid Repair

If you have a problem with your hearing aid, you may be able to fix it yourself at home. Before taking your hearing aids in for repair, try these DIY repairs first.

Problem – hearing aids don't turn on

If your hearing aids won't turn on, there is probably a problem with the batteries. If your hearing aids won't turn on try this:

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

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

Problem - doesn't produce sound

If you turn your hearing aids on but still don't hear anything, there may be a problem picking up or transmitting sound. Try these tricks:

Make sure the microphone is clean: If the microphone is blocked by wax, it can't fully pick up sound. Use your cleaning tools and clean the microphone. Wax is easier to remove when dry, so do this first thing in the morning, when you take the hearing aid out of the drying box.
Make sure the earmold tubing is clear: If the earmold tubing is clogged, sound can't make it through. Remove the tubing. Try blowing air through it. If air can't make it through, sound can't make it through. If the tubing is clogged, replace it or clean it with canned air or water.

If these fixes don't take care of the problem, it's time to take your hearing aids in for repair.

Problem – distorted or intermittent sound

If the quality of sound is poor, sound is distorted or the sound comes and goes, try these DIY hearing aid repairs.

Inspect the contacts in the battery compartment: If they are corroded, clean with a cotton swab and alcohol.
Install fresh batteries: Even a slight drop in power can affect the quality of sound. The batteries may provide enough energy to power the hearing aid up, but not enough to keep the device working properly.
Check the setting: Many models have multiple settings, so ensure the program is selected.

If these steps don't improve the sound quality, it's time to take your hearing aids in for a repair.

Problem - Whistling or Feedback

If you hear whistling, whining or feedback the earmold isn't fitting properly in your ear. The first step is to make sure your ears are clean and you don't have earwax buildup. So, clean your ears. Next, make sure your hearing aid isn't coated in earwax. Earwax can prevent the earmold from fitting correctly. If you clean your ears and clean your hearing aids and earmold and it doesn't fix the problem, you need to take your hearing aids in for repair.

These DIY repairs will resolve most problems with your hearing aids. If not, call the audiologist to arrange for repair.