The decision to invest in hearing aids has made a definite change in your quality of life. Being able to hear clearly again means enjoying sounds like birds chirping, the richness of music, and children's laughter. Most importantly, it means participating fully in conversations at work, in social settings, and with loved ones.

However, there will be times when your hearing aids need some attention. If you experience a malfunction, it helps to know how to manage a hearing aid repair. Here are some signs to look for and how to take care of any repairs that may be needed.

Signs That Something Isn't Right with Your Hearing Aid

Any decrease in functionality may indicate that there's something wrong with your hearing aids.

• You are able to hear, but the sounds aren't quite as clear as in the past

• You may notice that it's necessary to adjust the volume settings in order to compensate

• Your hearing aids may cut in and out without any warning

• You may hear some type of noise or distortion

The bottom line is that, if your hearing aids are not performing at the same level as they did when you got them, it's an indication that there could be a problem that needs attention before things get worse.

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Troubleshooting: Common Ways to Resolve Simple Hearing Aid Issues on Your Own

There are many resources online to help you fix simple problems. HearingDoctors.com has a full library of how-to videos offering suggestions for general maintenance and troubleshooting tips.

You may be surprised to find that you can easily diagnose and fix a lot of the problems yourself, saving you time and money. Try some of these tips to see if they make a difference:

1. Check the Power – If you don’t have sound at all, the first thing to check is that the power is turned on. If you find that the power is off, simply switch it on. Once it is on, check the sound. If it is normal, then your problem has been solved.
   
   

2. Check the Battery – A low battery can cause hearing aids to have poor sound or no sound at all. Replacing the batteries or placing the hearing aid in the charging device should eliminate this issue.
   
   

3. Replace Tubing – Behind-the-ear hearing aids have tubing that can become worn or damaged over time. Worn and damaged tubing can significantly decrease efficiency and must be replaced. For most behind-the-ear models, this is an easy task that you can complete yourself.
   
   

4. Perform Daily Cleaning and Maintenance – Regular cleaning of both your ears and your hearing aids is recommended, including replacing the wax guards, if applicable. Proper cleaning and maintenance will ensure sound is not obstructed, and can increase the lifespan of your hearing aids.

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Signs That It’s Time to Seek Professional Hearing Aid Repair

Sometimes there are things that cannot be resolved through DIY efforts. If you’re unable to resolve the issue, you’ll want to have your hearing aids looked at by a professional.

Hearing Doctors repairs and services all brands, types, and models of hearing aids and devices, even if you purchased your hearing aids somewhere else. Hearing Doctors often will be able to fix your device on-site, including older models/styles and out-of-warranty devices. Learn more about our Professional Hearing Aid Repair Service.

Signs you should take your hearing aids to a professional:

1. Troubleshooting is Unsuccessful – None of the tips recommended in this article or the how-to videos and other resources resolve the issue.

   
   

2. Damage to the Casing – If you notice tiny cracks or other issues with the casing, there could be internal damage. The only way to know for sure is to take the hearing aid to a professional who can open the casing and find out what’s going on.

3. Your Hearing Aids Don’t Fit Properly – Our ears can shift slightly in size and shape over time. Ill-fitting custom devices can cause a whistling sound, even though everything else seems to be fine. Our friendly and professional staff will evaluate the fit to see if a remake is necessary. 

Get Professional Hearing Aid Repair Service

Hearing Doctors has 5 locations in the Washington, DC Metro Area to serve you, in northern Virginia and Maryland. Emergency after-hours services are also available for lost or malfunctioning hearing aids. If you’re experiencing problems with your hearing aids, locate the Hearing Doctors clinic nearest to you and we'll be happy to get your hearing aids sounding their best.