Hearing aids, like any other piece of technological equipment, may sometimes malfunction. Battery life that seems excessively short,  Bluetooth not working, or inaudible playback are all possible problems that may arise and need fixing.

The good news is that troubleshooting hearing aids on your own might go a long way toward having your devices up and running again. Recognizing the issue right away is an advantage, and the following easy solutions might be exactly what will solve the problem.

Poor or Warped Audio

There are a number of potential causes for weak audio output, the battery being the most common. If your hearing aid requires disposable batteries, check to see that they are fresh, clean, and the correct wattage for the device. 

When using a rechargeable device, it is important to ensure both the charger and the device itself are completely charged. 

In addition, a dirty earmold, which may be easily fixed, may be at the root of the issue. The hearing aid may also be damp, in which case a dehumidifier, hearing aid drier, or careful washing down and drying would solve the problem.

It’s also possible that the hearing aid’s receiver wire has broken, which may need expert servicing, depending on the model.

Complete Silence

If no audio is coming through, double-check that the device is powered on, the battery is there, and the microphone is not muted.

In addition, you could also:

• Replace the existing battery with a new one if possible.
• In the case of rechargeable hearing aids, make sure both the device and its charger are completely charged.
• Softly cleaning the earmold as specified in the device’s manual should clear any obstructions.
• A broken receiver wire on a hearing aid is cause for expert attention, where the equipment may be checked thoroughly.

Rapid Power Usage

Have you noticed that your device’s battery drains unexpectedly quickly? Leaving the hearing aid on for too long might cause this. It might be helpful to turn off your hearing aid when it is not being used. This includes putting it away safely at night. 

Used batteries are another possible culprit.  When using disposable batteries, it’s a good idea to keep track of both the date you inserted them and the expected date of expiry indicated on the package. In addition, rechargeable electronics that have been in use for more than three or four years should be serviced by a specialist.

Distracting Levels of Background Noise

These days, hearing aids often include directional microphones and other technologies that selectively amplify the sounds you want to hear while suppressing the ones you don’t. In addition, a hearing device expert can work with you to tailor the in-built features to meet your specific requirements.

If you subsequently discover that your hearing aids are picking up too much background noise, consider the following:

• If your mobile device supports it, use an app made specifically for your hearing aid to adjust the volume and other features to reduce background noise.
• In order to successfully link a Bluetooth item that calls for a separate app, you must first ensure that both the app and your internet connection are functional.
• If your device has a telecoil, also known as T-coil, you may use it to connect to hearing loops placed in various cinemas, lecture halls, and other public places.
• In order to concentrate, you should do everything you can to dampen any distracting noises coming from around you. This might include turning off or muting any other audio sources, locking doors, or moving to a quieter location.

Problems with Bluetooth Connection

Connectivity through Bluetooth has added new features to today’s digital hearing aids. Music, phone calls, and video chats may all be streamed easily to your hearing aids without any intermediary equipment getting in the way.

Following these instructions may help you couple your hearing aid with a phone, tablet, or another electronic device that supports Bluetooth:

• To use your hearing aid with other devices, you must make sure Bluetooth is turned on;
• Check whether the gadgets aren’t already associated, which might happen automatically;
• Ensure everything is within range to establish a connection;
• Make sure the second device has access to the internet and any necessary apps;
• Separate any gadgets that could be linked with the item you’re attempting to pair;
• Follow the handbook for your hearing aids’ pairing procedure to try again.

Final Thoughts

Keep in mind that there are specific problems that, in order to prevent additional damage to the hearing aid or to avoid invalidating the warranty, should be reported to your hearing specialist.

Do not hesitate to get in touch with a specialist if the aforementioned troubleshooting steps fail to fix the issue, or if there is visible damage to your hearing aid.