Can You Fix Your Own Hearing Aids?

Hearing aids are small gadgets, but make a huge contribution to everyday life. Because they’re used daily, chances are pretty good that at some point, a problem may arise. Chances also are pretty good that it’s a minor difficulty. Can you fix your own hearing aids? While repairing hearing aids can be tricky, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can follow at home.

No volume or low volume

This issue is one of the most frequent complaints and usually has an easy fix. First, check to ensure your hearing aids are turned on. Take a look at the batteries to make sure they are inserted correctly and that the battery door is completely closed. If that doesn’t work, replace the batteries. Also inspect the battery contacts for corrosion, and clean them with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol if necessary.

Is it possible the volume control was accidentally adjusted? This could account for low volume. Otherwise, the microphone inlet may be clogged with wax or dust. A good cleaning should improve sound volume.

Sound is distorted

If your hearing aids seem to be providing a scratchy or distorted sound, the on/off switch or the volume controls may be dirty. Clean the units and move the volume controls up and down a few times to shake loose any embedded dirt.

Perhaps your hearing aids were not inserted properly. This can cause whistling, distortion and feedback. Reinsert your hearing aids to see if a better fit fixes the problem.

Your hearing aids got wet

This problem may be fixable at home depending upon how much water penetrated the units. Remove them immediately and dry with a cloth. Open the battery door and remove the batteries. Allow the hearing aids to dry overnight. A hearing aid dehumidifier may also help in this situation.

When to talk to your audiologist

Your hearing aids should be professionally cleaned a couple of times a year. This cleaning can help with wax buildup, blockages or cracks in the tubing. Your audiologist also can fix battery doors and make other simple repairs.

If you hearing aids are cracked, have a short, a broken microphone or other more complicated issues, they might have to be sent back to the manufacturer for repairs. If your hearing aids are under warranty, there may be no charge or a nominal fee for repairs. If not, the repair made will generally come with a one-year warranty.

It’s possible you can troubleshoot your own hearing aid issues, but it’s advisable to do so with caution. If simple solutions don’t resolve the problem, it’s best to see your audiologist as soon as possible in case hearing aid repairs are needed. Because your hearing aids play such an important role in your daily life, daily cleaning and good care may help prevent major issues, and minor issues may be fixed at home.