What if your hearing aid stops working?

What to do if your hearing aid stops working

If your hearing aid suddenly stops working, sounds weak or starts whistling, it can feel stressful. In many cases, the problem is caused by something simple: a blocked wax filter, an empty battery, a loose dome, moisture or dirt.

Before you assume the hearing aid is broken, try the checks below. This step-by-step guide helps you troubleshoot the most common hearing aid problems calmly and safely at home.

No sound? Start with these simple checks

If there is no sound from your hearing aid, start with the easiest things first. Small parts can block sound, and batteries or charging problems are common causes of sudden silence.

Step 1: Check the battery or charging

If you use disposable batteries, replace the battery with a new one. Make sure the battery is inserted the right way and that the battery drawer closes fully. If you use rechargeable hearing aids, place them in the charger and check that the charger is connected to power.

  • Try a fresh battery, even if the current battery seems new.
  • Check that the battery sticker has been removed.
  • Wait a short moment after removing the sticker before inserting the battery.
  • For rechargeable models, check that the hearing aids sit correctly in the charger.
  • Clean the charging contacts gently if they look dirty.

Find hearing aid batteries

Step 2: Check the wax filter

A blocked wax filter is one of the most common reasons why a hearing aid has no sound or sounds very weak. Wax filters protect the receiver or sound outlet from earwax, but once they become blocked, sound may not pass through properly.

If your hearing aid uses wax filters, replace the filter and test the hearing aid again. Wax filters are designed to be replaced, not cleaned and reused.

Find wax filters for hearing aids

Step 3: Check the dome

If your hearing aid uses a dome, remove it carefully and check whether it is blocked with earwax or dirt. A blocked dome can make the hearing aid sound weak or completely silent. If the dome is dirty, stiff, torn or loose, replace it with a new one.

Make sure the dome is attached securely before putting the hearing aid back in your ear. A loose dome can affect sound and may be uncomfortable.

Find hearing aid domes

Step 4: Check the tube, receiver or sound outlet

If you use thin tubes, check whether the tube is blocked, bent, cracked or discoloured. If you use a receiver, check whether the wire is damaged or whether the receiver end looks blocked.

Do not push sharp objects into the receiver or sound outlet. If cleaning and changing the wax filter or dome does not help, the receiver or tube may need replacing.

Weak sound or muffled sound

If your hearing aid still works but the sound is weak, muffled or unclear, the problem is often related to wax, dirt, moisture or a small part that needs replacement.

Try this checklist

  • Replace the wax filter.
  • Replace the dome if it is dirty, damaged or loose.
  • Clean around the microphone openings with a soft brush.
  • Check the battery or charge level.
  • Check whether the thin tube or receiver is blocked.
  • Dry the hearing aid if it may have been exposed to moisture.

Sound can also feel weaker if your ear is blocked with earwax. If both hearing aids seem weaker than usual, or if cleaning the hearing aids does not help, contact your hearing care professional.

Find cleaning brushes for hearing aids

Whistling or feedback

Whistling, also called feedback, can happen when sound leaks out of the ear and is picked up again by the hearing aid microphone. It can be caused by poor fit, a loose dome, earwax, high volume or the hearing aid not sitting correctly.

Try this checklist

  • Remove and reinsert the hearing aid carefully.
  • Check that the dome sits securely on the receiver or tube.
  • Replace the dome if it is loose, stiff or damaged.
  • Check whether the ear canal may be blocked with earwax.
  • Make sure scarves, hats, hair or glasses are not pressing against the hearing aid.
  • Lower the volume temporarily and see if the whistling stops.

If whistling happens often, the dome size, earmould fit or hearing aid settings may need adjustment. In that case, it is best to contact your hearing care professional.

Poor fit or discomfort

If the hearing aid feels loose, uncomfortable or keeps moving out of place, check the parts that sit in or around the ear. Domes, thin tubes and receiver wires all affect comfort and fit.

Try this checklist

  • Check that the dome is the correct type and size.
  • Replace the dome if it has become stiff or loose.
  • Check that the receiver wire or thin tube length still sits comfortably.
  • Make sure the hearing aid is placed correctly behind the ear.
  • Check whether glasses, masks or hair are moving the hearing aid out of position.

A dome that is too small may feel loose or cause whistling. A dome that is too large may feel uncomfortable. Always use the dome type and size recommended for your hearing aid fitting unless a hearing care professional advises otherwise.

Moisture problems

Moisture can affect hearing aid performance, especially after sweating, rain, humid weather or long days of use. Moisture may cause weak sound, intermittent sound, distortion or charging problems.

Try this checklist

  • Wipe the hearing aid with a clean, dry cloth.
  • Open the battery drawer overnight if you use disposable batteries.
  • Place the hearing aid in a drying box or drying cup overnight.
  • Check that charging contacts are dry before charging rechargeable hearing aids.
  • Avoid using heat, hairdryers or ovens to dry hearing aids.

A drying box can be useful if you often deal with moisture, sweat or humidity. Regular drying can help keep hearing aids more reliable in everyday use.

Find drying boxes for hearing aids

If your hearing aid cuts in and out

Intermittent sound can be caused by low battery power, moisture, a loose receiver or tube, a dirty battery contact or a blocked sound outlet.

Try this checklist

  • Replace the battery or fully charge the hearing aid.
  • Clean the battery contacts or charging contacts carefully.
  • Check whether the receiver wire or tube is loose or damaged.
  • Replace the wax filter and dome.
  • Dry the hearing aid overnight.

If the hearing aid still cuts in and out after these checks, it may need professional inspection.

If the hearing aid sounds distorted

Distorted sound can happen if the sound outlet is blocked, the battery is weak, moisture is present or the receiver is damaged. Start by replacing the wax filter and battery, then clean and dry the hearing aid.

If distortion continues, stop using the hearing aid and contact your hearing care professional or customer service. Distortion can sometimes indicate a receiver or internal device issue.

Daily care can prevent many problems

A simple care routine can reduce the risk of sudden sound problems. You do not need to spend a long time each day, but regular cleaning and checking small parts can make a big difference.

Daily routine

  • Wipe the hearing aid with a dry cloth or suitable cleaning wipe.
  • Check the dome or earmould for visible wax or dirt.
  • Store the hearing aid safely when not in use.
  • Dry the hearing aid overnight if moisture is a recurring issue.

Weekly routine

  • Brush around microphone openings and small edges.
  • Check whether the wax filter needs replacing.
  • Inspect domes, tubes and receiver wires for wear.
  • Make sure you have spare batteries, wax filters and domes at home.

What to keep at home

Many hearing aid problems can be solved faster if you keep the right small parts and care products at home. This is especially useful before weekends, holidays or travel.

When to contact customer service or a hearing care professional

If the hearing aid still does not work after you have checked the battery, wax filter, dome, cleaning and drying, it may need professional help. You should also contact support if the hearing aid is physically damaged, if the receiver or tube is broken, or if the sound problem keeps returning.

When you contact customer service, it is helpful to include the hearing aid brand and model, whether the problem is on the left or right side, what you have already tried and whether the hearing aid has no sound, weak sound, whistling, moisture problems or poor fit.

Quick troubleshooting guide

No sound

  • Replace the battery or charge the hearing aid.
  • Replace the wax filter.
  • Check the dome, receiver or tube for blockage.
  • Clean the hearing aid and test again.

Weak or muffled sound

  • Replace the wax filter.
  • Clean or replace the dome.
  • Brush microphone openings gently.
  • Dry the hearing aid overnight.

Whistling

  • Reinsert the hearing aid correctly.
  • Check that the dome fits securely.
  • Check for earwax blockage in the ear.
  • Contact a hearing care professional if feedback continues.

Poor fit

  • Check dome size and type.
  • Replace worn domes.
  • Check receiver wire or tube length.
  • Make sure glasses or masks are not moving the hearing aid.

Moisture

  • Wipe the hearing aid dry.
  • Use a drying box or drying cup overnight.
  • Keep charging contacts dry and clean.
  • Avoid direct heat.