In order to enhance our hearing and quality of life, hearing aids need to deliver sound to our ears—and it's frustrating when they don't. If the sound from your hearing aid is weak or there is no sound at all, don't worry. There's often an easy solution that you can do yourself at home.
In this article, we'll discuss:
- The whistle test
- General troubleshooting tips
- Troubleshooting tips for rechargeable hearing aids
- Troubleshooting tips for non-rechargeable hearing aids
The Whistle Test
If your hearing aid is not providing any sound to your ear, the whistle test can help diagnose the problem.
For behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids:
- Turn the volume to maximum.
- Remove the tubing from the hearing aid body.
- Cup the hearing aid in your hand and listen for whistling. You may need to move the aid close to your ear.
- If it whistles, your hearing aid is working. Wax or debris may be blocking the sound. You'll need to clean your tubing and tip, and replace these parts if they appear worn. See information on cleaning and replacing parts.
- If it does not whistle, please contact customer support for assistance.
For in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids:
- Remove the dome and wax guard.
- Turn the volume up to maximum, cup the hearing aid in your hand, and hold it near your ear.
- If it whistles, your hearing aid is working. Wax or debris may be blocking the sound. You'll need to replace the wax guard, clean the dome, and replace the dome as well if it appears worn. See information on cleaning and replacing parts.
- If it does not whistle, please contact customer support for assistance.
More general troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure the hearing aid is on.
- Trapped moisture may be clogging the hearing aid and distorting the sound. Try using a hearing aid dehumidifier overnight.
- Clean your ear canal with an ear rinse kit or by a professional.
For rechargeable models:
- Make sure the hearing aid is charged. If you are unsure, fully charge the hearing aid and turn it back on.
- Check the battery contacts to be sure they are not corroded.
For non-rechargeable models:
- Check the battery contacts to be sure they are not corroded.
- Make sure the battery is inserted correctly and the battery compartment is closed all the way.
- Replace the battery with a fresh one (after removing the adhesive tab, wait 1 full minute for it to activate before inserting into the hearing aid).
Please see the Troubleshooting section of your User Manual for more information. If you are still having difficulty, please contact customer support.