Hearing Aid Sounds Weak or Dead? What to Check Before You Call Your Audiologist

Sound Is Weak or Dead

Start here. Johns Hopkins Medicine lists this problem first, and it covers a lot of cases.

1. Check the battery. Put in a fresh one, and replace it regularly as needed. If yours is rechargeable, the same idea applies: make sure it's actually charged.
2. Replace the wax guard, if your aid has one. Hopkins says the most common reason an aid sounds weak or dead is that it's clogged with wax or debris.
3. Clean the microphone and the receiver (the speaker). Use the brush or pick that came with your aid, if you have one.

Not every aid has a wax guard, and brands name the parts differently. Your manufacturer's manual or your audiologist can show you where yours are.

The Aid Got Wet

Hopkins says to look for moisture in the tubing of a behind-the-ear model and for corrosion in the battery door compartment. If moisture could be the problem, put the aid in a hearing aid dehumidifier or drying kit.

Whistling or Feedback

First, make sure the aid is properly inserted in your ear canal. If it still whistles, Hopkins says there may be a wax or debris blockage in your ear canal, or the aid may not fit properly. Both of those are audiologist questions, not something to fix with a toothpick.

Slipping Out or Uncomfortable

If it slips: Hopkins says moisture in the ear canal can make the aid move, and so can jaw movement when you talk or chew. If your aid uses a dome, try a smaller or larger size. Your audiologist may need to add a retention wire.

If it hurts: check that it's inserted properly and that there isn't wax buildup in the canal. If the discomfort continues, Hopkins says the shell may need to be modified or remade for a better fit.

Still Not Working: What the Audiologist Does

Hopkins says to schedule an appointment or drop the device off with the office. From there:

• The audiologist may repair the aid in the office or send it to the manufacturer.
• If it doesn't fit well, you may need a new ear mold impression, and the manufacturer remakes the device.
• If the aid seems to be working, the audiologist checks for a blockage in your ear canal. If your ears are clear, they may test your hearing to see whether it has changed.
• If your hearing has changed, they may be able to reprogram the aid.

If Your Hearing Itself Changed Suddenly

A hearing aid that suddenly sounds dead and a sudden drop in your hearing can feel the same. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) describes sudden deafness as an unexplained, rapid loss of hearing, all at once or over a few days. It says people sometimes put off seeing a doctor because they assume it's earwax, allergies or a sinus infection, and that you should treat sudden deafness symptoms as a medical emergency and see a doctor immediately.

If your hearing dropped suddenly, don't spend the day on battery changes. That one is a doctor, not a troubleshooting list.

Quick Answers

Why does my hearing aid sound weak or dead?

Johns Hopkins Medicine says the most common reason is that it's clogged with wax or debris. Start with a fresh battery, then replace the wax guard if your aid has one, and clean the microphone and receiver (speaker) with the brush or pick if you have one.

What if my hearing aid got wet?

Johns Hopkins Medicine says to check for moisture in the tubing of a behind-the-ear model and for corrosion in the battery door compartment, and to put the device in a hearing aid dehumidifier or drying kit if moisture is a concern.

When should I take my hearing aid to the audiologist?

Johns Hopkins Medicine says to schedule an appointment or drop the device off if it's still not performing properly. The audiologist may repair it in the office or send it to the manufacturer, check for a blockage in your ear canal, check whether your hearing has changed, and reprogram the aid if it has.