Common Hearing Aid Problems You Can Fix at Home

Your hearing aids have become essential companions in your daily life, helping you stay connected to conversations, enjoy your favorite shows, and participate fully in the activities you love. But like any technology you use every day, they can occasionally experience issues that disrupt their performance. The good news is that many common hearing aid problems have simple solutions you can handle right in your own home.

At Family Audiology and Hearing Centers, we've helped thousands of patients across our 17 Ohio locations troubleshoot their devices. While we're always here when you need professional assistance, understanding how to address basic issues yourself can save time and keep you hearing your best without interruption.

When Your Hearing Aids Produce No Sound or Weak Sound

One of the most frustrating experiences is putting in your hearing aids only to hear nothing—or barely anything. Before assuming something is seriously wrong, walk through these straightforward checks.

Start with the power source. Make sure your hearing aids are actually turned on. This might sound obvious, but it's easy to overlook, especially during busy mornings. For rechargeable models, verify they spent adequate time in the charger overnight. If you use disposable batteries, try replacing them with fresh ones. Batteries can lose power unexpectedly, and what seems like a device malfunction is often just a depleted battery.

Next, examine the volume settings. You or someone else might have accidentally adjusted the volume down. Use your device controls or smartphone app to bring the volume back to a comfortable level. Many modern hearing aids have multiple programs for different listening situations, so check that you're on the correct program for your current environment.

Addressing Feedback and Whistling Sounds

That high-pitched whistling or feedback sound can be annoying and embarrassing. Feedback typically occurs when amplified sound escapes from your ear canal and gets picked back up by the hearing aid microphone, creating a loop.

The most common cause is an improper fit. Over time, your ears can change shape slightly, or you may have gained or lost weight, affecting how your hearing aids sit in your ears. Try reinserting them carefully, making sure they're seated properly in your ear canal. For behind-the-ear models, check that the tubing or wire connecting the hearing aid to the earpiece is secure and hasn't worked loose.

Earwax buildup on the device can also cause feedback by blocking sound from entering your ear canal properly. Gently clean the speaker opening and any visible parts using the cleaning tools that came with your hearing aids. Never use sharp objects or push anything into the speaker port, as this can cause damage.

If you wear glasses, their temples might be interfering with behind-the-ear hearing aids, creating gaps that allow sound to leak out. Try adjusting your glasses or experimenting with how you put on your hearing aids and glasses together.

Solving Battery Issues

Short battery life can turn into a daily hassle. For disposable batteries, several factors affect how long they last. Remove the tab from new batteries and wait about a minute before inserting them—this allows air to activate the zinc inside. Store unused batteries at room temperature in a dry place, never in the refrigerator, despite what you might have heard.

Open the battery door at night when you're not wearing your hearing aids. This prevents the battery from draining and allows moisture to evaporate from inside the device. Even rechargeable batteries can seem to lose their charge quickly if the charging contacts are dirty. Wipe both the contacts on your hearing aids and inside the charger with a dry cloth regularly.

If your rechargeable hearing aids consistently don't last through the day despite proper charging, the battery may be nearing the end of its lifespan. Rechargeable batteries typically last three to five years before needing replacement, which requires a visit to our office.

Handling Sound Quality Problems

Sometimes your hearing aids work, but the sound quality just isn't right. Sounds might seem muffled, tinny, or distorted. Begin by cleaning your devices thoroughly. Earwax and debris are the most common culprits behind poor sound quality. Use your cleaning brush to gently remove any visible buildup from the microphone ports, speaker opening, and any other openings.

For behind-the-ear models, inspect the tubing carefully. Look for cracks, stiffness, or moisture droplets inside. Tubing becomes brittle over time and needs periodic replacement. If you see moisture, try using a hearing aid air blower to push it out. You can also disconnect the tubing overnight to let it dry completely.

Check your wax guards or filters if your model has them. These small components protect the speaker from earwax but need regular replacement—typically every month or two. We can show you how to change them during your next visit, and you can easily order replacements.

Managing Moisture and Environmental Damage

Ohio's weather varies dramatically throughout the year, and moisture is a hearing aid's enemy. Rain, snow, humidity, sweat during summer activities—all of these can affect your devices. If your hearing aids get wet, don't panic. Remove the batteries or take them out of the charger immediately. Use a soft, dry cloth to pat them dry gently, then place them in a hearing aid dehumidifier overnight.

Consider investing in a dehumidifier if you don't already have one. These inexpensive devices absorb moisture from your hearing aids while you sleep, helping prevent long-term damage. They're particularly valuable for people who live active lifestyles or in humid areas.

During winter months, be mindful of condensation that can form when you come indoors from the cold. This temperature change can create moisture inside your hearing aids. Remove them for a few minutes when you first come inside to let them adjust to the warmer temperature gradually.

Dealing with Physical Discomfort

If your hearing aids feel uncomfortable or cause soreness, don't ignore it. Discomfort often signals that something needs adjustment. First, make sure you're inserting them correctly. It's easy to develop bad habits over time. Remove and reinsert them, following the instructions you received when you first got them.

Clean your ears themselves, not just your hearing aids. Buildup of earwax or dry skin in your ear canals can create pressure points. Use a washcloth to clean your outer ears after showering—never insert cotton swabs into your ear canals, as this can push wax deeper and potentially damage your eardrum.

For custom devices, your ear shape may have changed since your initial fitting. Even small changes can affect comfort significantly. This situation requires a professional adjustment, and we can help you at any of our locations.

Keeping Your Hearing Aids Clean

A consistent cleaning routine prevents many common problems. Each evening when you remove your hearing aids, wipe them down with a soft, dry cloth. This removes oils, moisture, and debris from the day. Use your cleaning brush to gently clear any visible earwax from the speaker opening and microphone ports.

Never use water, cleaning solutions, alcohol, or solvents on your hearing aids unless specifically designed for hearing aid cleaning. These can damage sensitive electronic components. Avoid exposing your devices to extreme heat, including hair dryers, and keep them away from hairspray, perfume, and other aerosols that can clog openings.

Store your hearing aids in their case when not wearing them. This protects them from dust, moisture, and accidental damage. The case also makes them easier to find—a surprising number of hearing aids get lost simply because they weren't put in a designated spot.

When to Contact Your Audiologist

While many issues have simple at-home solutions, some problems require professional expertise. Schedule an appointment with us if you experience persistent feedback despite proper insertion, if sound quality doesn't improve after thorough cleaning, if you notice physical damage like cracks in the shell or tubing, or if your hearing aids simply aren't providing the clarity they once did.

Regular professional maintenance is just as important as daily home care. We recommend scheduling check-ups every six months, even when your hearing aids seem to be working perfectly. During these visits, we perform deep cleaning that goes beyond what you can do at home, check for wear and tear, verify that the programming still matches your hearing needs, and address any concerns you might have.

Experience Better Hearing Health in Ohio

Taking care of your hearing aids doesn't have to be complicated. With these troubleshooting tips, you can resolve many common issues quickly and get back to enjoying clear, comfortable hearing. Your hearing aids are sophisticated devices designed to improve your quality of life, and understanding how to maintain them helps ensure they do exactly that.

At Family Audiology and Hearing Centers, we're committed to supporting you throughout your hearing health journey. Whether you need help troubleshooting a problem, want to schedule a professional cleaning, or think it might be time for new devices, our experienced audiologists and hearing specialists across all 17 of our Ohio locations are ready to assist you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at the office most convenient for you—from Waverly to Onalaska, and everywhere in between. Let us help you maintain the clear, confident hearing you deserve.