Some hearing aid problems can be solved at home. If you cannot fix it yourself, you can get help from your audiologist, hearing aid provider, or a local support service.
No sound or reduced sound quality
First, check that:
- the hearing aid is in your ear correctly
- the hearing aid is switched on
- the volume control on the hearing aid is set correctly, if it has one
- the battery needs replacing or is inserted the wrong way round
Clear any blockages
Ear wax can block parts of your hearing aid and make it sound muffled.
You can remove blockages with cleaning tools like a wax pick, a wire cleaning tool or a puffer, which passes air through the tubing. Find out how to clean your hearing aids.
If there’s a blockage further down the tubing that you cannot remove, or if the tubing is damaged, you’ll need to replace it. You can do this yourself or get help from your audiologist.
Check for moisture
Condensation in the tubing can affect your hearing aid’s sound.
To remove moisture from your hearing aid, you can:
- firmly grip where the tubing attaches to the hearing aid and give the tubing a few quick flicks to remove any droplets
- detach the tubing from the hearing aid and using a puffer to pass air through the tubing
- leaving your hearing aid in a warm, dry place for a few hours
- buy condensation absorbing tablets to put into your hearing aid case overnight
If this does not work, you’ll need to see your audiologist.
Whistling or squeaking noises
Whistling or squeaking noises can be caused by:
- gaps around the hearing aid if it’s not fitted properly in your ear
- something covering the microphones on your hearing aid – for example, a hat, scarf or headphones
- an ear wax blockage
If your hearing aid is not fitted comfortably, speak to your audiologist. They may be able to adjust it or replace it with one that fits you better.
If you’re having problems with ear wax, ask your GP about ear wax removal services. Some GPs offer this service, but in some areas you may need to see a private provider.
Buzzing noises
This can happen if you’ve accidentally set your hearing aid to the hearing loop (T) setting.
To check if this is the problem, turn your hearing aid off and on to reset it.
Get help with hearing aid problems
If you’ve tried troubleshooting and are still having problems with your hearing aids, your audiology service can help.
Some hearing aid providers offer a postal repair service. This means you can send your hearing aids to your provider and have them sent back once they’ve been repaired.
You should also contact your audiologist if:
- the tubing or earpiece is making your ear sore – this can easily be fixed
- you need a new earmould
- the hearing aid tone hook (‘elbow’) is broken
- your hearing aids sound distorted
- you’ve lost a hearing aid
- you think your hearing has changed and your hearing aids need adjusting
See your GP if you have ear pain, earache or discharge from your ear – you might have an ear infection that needs treatment.
NHS hearing aid clinics
If you have NHS hearing aids, you can get help with hearing aid problems at local hearing aid clinics. Contact your audiology service to find out where your nearest clinic is.
In some parts of the UK, RNID runs these clinics in partnership with audiology departments. Find out if there’s an RNID hearing aid support service near you.
When going to the clinic, don’t forget to take your battery book and both hearing aids with you, if applicable. Some clinics can visit you at home if it’s hard for you to travel.
If you bought your hearing aids privately
Contact your private hearing care provider for help with cleaning, servicing or repairing your hearing aids.