How to Fix All Makes of Hearing AIDS

If your hearing aid breaks down, don't panic. You may be able to fix it yourself. Since all hearing aids have the same basic design you can systematically check the parts to find out what needs to be repaired. With the right tools you can be "up and running" again.

Things You'll Need

• Hearing aid brush
• Can of compressed air
• Bridge and implant dental floss
• Fresh battery
• Medical tape
• Replacement domes
• Replacement wax filters

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Instructions

Custom in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids

• 1

  If the sound is weak or there is no sound, inspect the microphone openings and the speaker tube opening for earwax and debris. Brush the openings to clear any blockage. Replace the wax filter if your hearing aid has one installed in the speaker opening

• 2

  If there is still no sound after cleaning the openings, replace the hearing aid battery.

• 3

  If your hearing aid squeals or whistles inspect the hearing aid for a hole or crack in the shell. Temporarily patch the hole or crack with medical tape.

• 4

  If your hearing aid gets wet remove the battery. Wipe dry the battery and the hearing aid. Let both air-dry overnight, keeping the battery door open to allow the interior to dry.

• 5

  Bring the hearing aid to your audiologist if the above steps do not solve the problem.

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids

• 6

  If the sound is weak or there is no sound, check the tip of the tube or ear mold for earwax and debris. Brush the opening to clear any blockage.

• 7

  Check the entire tube and interior of the ear mold for fluid or earwax. Separate the tube from the hearing aid and use compressed air to blow out the blockage. Use dental bridge and implant floss to ream out the tube if the compressed air does not clear the blockage.

• 8

  Brush the microphone inlets if dirt or debris covers the openings.

• 9

  Replace the hearing aid battery if there is still no sound.

• 10

  If your hearing aid squeals or whistles check the tubing. If it is yellow, stiff, or cracked you will need to bring it to your audiologist to have it replaced.

• 11

  If your hearing aid gets wet remove the battery. Wipe dry the battery and the hearing aid. Separate the tube from the hearing aid and blow out any fluid with compressed air. Then let the ear mold and tube, hearing aid, and battery air-dry overnight. Reassemble in the morning and try it out.

• 12

  If your hearing aid does not function after trying the above steps, bring it to your audiologist to have it professionally checked.

Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing aids

• 13

  If the sound is weak or there is no sound, check the dome for earwax. Gently brush to clear the blockage.

• 14

  Replace the dome and wax filter on the receiver if sound is not restored.

• 15

  Brush the microphone inlets if dirt or debris covers the openings.

• 16

  Replace the battery to see if that restores the sound.

• 17

  If Steps 1 through 4 do not solve the problem then bring the hearing aid to your audiologist for professional analysis and repair.

• 18

  Check the wire where it connects to the hearing aid and where it connects to the receiver. If it is broken you will need to see your audiologist to replace it.

• 19

  If the hearing aid squeals you may have impacted wax in your ears. Your physician or audiologist can check for wax.