TROUBLESHOOTING: Why does my hearing aid sound too quiet, or not as clear as usual?
- Aug 7
- 2 min read
Have your hearing aids started sounding quieter or more muffled than usual?
Before assuming something is wrong with the devices, there are a few simple things you can check at home. From accidental volume changes to clogged wax guards or worn tubing, many common issues can be resolved in just a few minutes.
Follow these troubleshooting steps to help restore clear sound and know when it's time to visit your hearing care professional.
Check the volume & program settings
Ensure the volume wasn't accidentally turned down.
If your hearing aid has multiple listening programs, switch between them to see if another sounds louder or clearer.
If you use a smartphone app, verify the app's volume control matches your hearing aid's settings.
Clean your hearing aid
A clogged wax filer or dome can block sound output - replace the wax filter and dome regardless of their appearance.
If the microphone ports are dirty or blocked, gently clean them with a soft brush.
Inspect the Tubing (for Behind-the-Ear models)
Look for cracks, moisture or blockages in the tubing.
Moisture can muffle sound - use an air blower or drying system to clear it out.
Drop in to your hearing clinic to replace old, hardened, or yellowed tubing.
Consider changes in your hearing
If your hearing seems dull, even with working hearing aids, your hearing may have changed since your last hearing test or adjustment.
Call your hearing clinic to confirm the date of your last hearing test or hearing aid adjustment - it may be time for an updated test to check your current thresholds.
Contact your hearing care professional
If your hearing aids are still quiet or muffled after these checks:
They make need professional cleaning or recalibration.
Your provider can test whether the devices are functioning correctly.
If you've worked through these steps and your hearing aids still don't sound as clear as they should, don't wait to have them checked.
Regular clean and checks, maintenance, and hearing evaluations help keep your devices performing their best and ensure you're hearing as well as possible.
Contact your hearing clinic to book an appointment—we're always happy to help get you back to hearing clearly.
