How to Clean Hearing Aids - Troubleshooting Tips

Even with routine care and maintenance, hearing aids might still cease functioning normally on occasion. Before taking them in for repair, steps can be taken at home that might resolve the problem.

• If there is feedback or whistling when the hearing aids are inserted, try removing and reinserting them to see if that solves the problem. If not, earwax might have accumulated and clogged the ports; cleaning them thoroughly with a multi-tool or wax pick should help.
• If the sound is distorted or unclear, the battery or contacts might be dirty or corroded. Cleaning the battery surfaces or replacing the battery might resolve the problem. Sometimes merely opening and closing the battery compartment door will help. The user should make sure the device hasn’t inadvertently been switched to T-coil mode.
• If there is no sound at all, the patient should make sure the battery isn’t dead. Alternatively, they can check for a clogged microphone or sound outlet, or try changing the wax filter.

If these tips do not solve the problem, the hearing aids should be brought in for repair. Cost will depend on what is damaged, which replacement parts are needed and whether the device is still under warranty.