Hearing Aid
Troubleshooting
in Victoria BC
While hearing aids are generally low maintenance devices, as with all electronic devices, sometimes they will stop working. Below are some common troubleshooting tips to help ensure you are hearing clearly.
What to do if there is no sound coming from your hearing aid.
Below are some steps you can take to troubleshoot your hearing aids. If these don't work, drop into the clinic for further assistance.
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Check the Power
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Make sure the hearing aid is turned on.
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If it uses a disposable battery, replace the battery with a new one.
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For rechargeable models, fully charge the device and confirm it’s properly seated in the charger. Make note of the colours on the hearing aid or charger when you take them out each morning. They should be green.
Change the Wax Guard and Domes​​
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Replace wax guards and domes (if applicable) regardless of whether they appear clogged or not.
Check the Ear Mold & Tubing (for Behind-the-Ear models)
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Inspect the tubing and ear mold for moisture, cracks, or blockages.
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If there is visible debris or moisture, remove what you can, and visit the clinic to have new tubing installed.
Adjust the Volume or Program Settings
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Make sure the volume isn’t set to the lowest level.
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If your hearing aid has a smartphone app or manual controls, check you your volume or program didn't accidentally get changed.
Restart Your Hearing Aid
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If your hearing aid uses disposable batteries, open and close the battery door to restart the hearing aid.
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If your hearing aid is rechargeable, put it into the charger for 5-10 seconds, then remove it from the charger
Troubleshooting Whistling or Squealing Hearing Aids
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If your hearing aid is making a high-pitched squealing or whistling sound, it’s usually caused by sound escaping from your ear and being picked up again by the hearing aid microphone. Follow these steps to find and fix the cause:
Check the Fit in Your Ear
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Make sure the hearing aid or ear mold is inserted properly and snugly in your ear.
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Remove and re-insert it if needed — a loose fit or shallow insertion often causes feedback.
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If it feels loose or uncomfortable, contact your hearing care provider for an adjustment or new earmold.
Have Your Ears Checked for Ear Wax
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Ear wax buildup can reflect amplified sound back into the hearing aid.
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Clean the earpiece and wax guard using your hearing aid cleaning tools.
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If you suspect wax in your ear canal, schedule a professional ear cleaning — don’t try to remove wax yourself.
Check the Volume
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If the volume is turned up too high, the sound can leak and cause feedback.
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Lower the volume slightly and see if the whistling stops.
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Remove and Reinsert After Putting On Glasses or Masks
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Glasses, masks, and hats may shift the hearing aid’s position, causing leakage.
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Try putting the hearing aid in after adjusting your glasses or mask.
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Consult Your Audiologist
If the whistling continues after these steps:
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Your ear mold may need refitting or remaking.
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Your hearing aid might require a software adjustment or repair.
Troubleshooting Weak Hearing Aids
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If your hearing aid doesn’t seem as loud or clear as usual, try these steps to identify and fix the issue:
Check the Volume and Program Settings
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Make sure the volume isn’t turned down accidentally.
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If your hearing aid has multiple listening programs, switch between them to see if another sounds louder or clearer.
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If you use a smartphone app, verify that the app’s volume control matches your hearing aid’s settings.
Inspect for Ear Wax or Debris
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A clogged wax guard or dome can block sound output. Replace both the wax guard and dome regardless of their appearance.
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If the microphone ports are dirty or blocked, gently clean them with a soft brush.
Inspect the Tubing (for Behind-the-Ear Models)
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Look for cracks, moisture, or blockages in the tubing.
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Moisture can muffle sound — use an air blower or drying system to clear it out.
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Replace old or yellowed tubing if needed.​
Consider Changes in Your Hearing
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If your hearing seems dull even with working aids, your hearing may have changed since your last adjustment.
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Schedule a hearing test to check your current thresholds.
Contact Your Hearing Care Professional
If your hearing aids are still too quiet after these checks:
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They may need a professional cleaning or recalibration.
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Your provider can test whether the microphones or amplifiers are functioning correctly.