Updated October 14, 2014.

Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.

 TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

Learning how to use hearing aids can be challenging; most patients find that everything makes sense in the audiologist’s office but they can forget some of the little things gone over because the information did not seem relevant at the time. It can be weeks or months after the initial appointment, the hearing aid manual is lost somewhere in the house, and the hearing aid is not working.

Here are some things to try to get you back “on the air”.

If the hearing aid is weak or dead (no sound)…

1. Make sure that the hearing aid is switched on.
2.  If there is a volume control, make sure it is turned loud enough for you to hear.
3.  Check the battery—is it working? Is the battery placed correctly? Check your hearing aid manual to determine how to insert the battery. Make sure the battery is the correct size.
4. Check the receiver opening and any vent openings and make sure they are not blocked with wax or other debris. If so, clean with hearing aid brush. Hold the hearing aid so the debris will fall out of the hearing aid and not be worked deeper into the aid.
5. Check to see if the tubing is still connected properly and that it is not bent or twisted.
6. Check to see if the microphone opening is not blocked. If it is, use the brush in your tool kit to clean away any debris. Many hearing aids have wax guards now and those should be changed regularly. Call your audiologist if you are not sure how to do this.

If the hearing aid is distorted or intermittent…

1. Check the tubing for moisture. If moisture is present, remove with an air blower.
2. Check the tubing for cracks or holes. If you see any, call your audiologist.
3.  Replace the battery because it may be weak or defective.
4. If there are cords connecting to the hearing aid or other hearing assistive device, check for cracks and replace the cord if necessary.

If the hearing aid squeals or whistles (feedback)…

1. Check that the volume is not turned up too high.
2. Be sure the instrument or ear mold is seated snuggly in the ear. If it has been several years  since you’ve had a new ear mold or have gained/lost weight, the hearing aid may no longer fit properly and it is time to call your audiologist for a remake. For men, an excessive
3. Make sure the microphone is not covered by an object such as a hat, scarf, or collar.
4. Have your audiologist or doctor look in your ear canals and check for excessive wax buildup.

BATTERY BASICS

1.  Remove the tab on the battery before inserting it into the hearing aid.
2. Batteries are color coded across manufacturers: 675 = blue, 13 = orange, 312 = brown, 10 = yellow. If you put one of the colored stickers in your wallet you will always know what size to get when you go shopping.
3.  Insert the battery correctly with the positive (+) sign up.
4. Open the battery door when the hearing aid is not in use. Doing so will extend the life of the battery and allow the hearing aid to dry out.
5. Store the batteries in a cool, dry place but not in the refrigerator.
6. Batteries are harmful if swallowed.
7. Store batteries away from children and pets.
8.  Do not store batteries near medications, as they can be easily mistaken for a pill or tablet.
9. If a battery is swallowed, contact the National Battery Ingestion Hotline at 202-625-3333.

Keep up on regular maintenance…

1. Store your hearing aids, when not being worn, in a dry kit to absorb any accumulated moisture. Read the instructions for your particular kit to determine when to change the desiccant.  

2. Wipe your hearing aids with a tissue or cloth when you remove them from your ears. Examine them closely to see if you need to use your cleaning tools to remove wax or debris from the microphone.

3. Use your cleaning tools carefully – do not damage your hearing aids by cleaning too vigorously.

4. Do not get your hearing aids wet. They need to be removed before taking a bath, shower or a swim. They should also be removed at the hairdressers and before using hairspray.

5. Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry place, away from children and inside pets! Hearing aids seem to be attractive to dogs and cats, and it is not uncommon for a hearing aid to be brought in for repair or replacement as a result of being chewed by a pet. 

6. Don’t wear your hearing aids if you are sleeping or if you have an ear infection.

7. The regular use of hearing aids can result in a build up of wax in the ear canals. Your ears should be checked at routine physician visits and when you visit the audiologist. If you have significant wax issues a treatment plan for regular wax removal may be put into place to keep your ears clear and your hearing aids working well.