You’re about to go to work, you’re getting ready for a nice dinner or you’re in the middle of a phone call – and suddenly … silence. Your hearing aids stop working. Panic! But not to worry. In many cases, the problem is easy to solve. In this blog we will help you step by step.
Whether you’re experiencing interference for the first time or have dealt with it before, these tips will get you back on track to hearing well in no time.
1. Check that the batteries (or battery) are still good
It may sound obvious, but dead batteries are one of the most common causes of โfailingโ hearing aids.
- Change the battery. Do you have a battery-operated hearing aid? Replace them with a new set and check if the light comes back on or the device makes a starting sound.
- Do you use rechargeable hearing aids? Check that they did charge properly. It is possible that a device was not properly seated in the charging station. Try charging again or connect the charger directly to another power source.
Note that even new batteries can be defective or have been stored incorrectly. Check the expiration date and try another brand if necessary.
2. Is the microphone hole or tubing clogged?
Hearing aids are sensitive to dust, earwax and moisture. A clogged microphone hole or tubing can prevent sound from coming in or being transmitted properly.
- Check the microphone hole and tubing for dirt or blockage. You can often gently clean this with a small brush or cleaning kit.
- Look at the dome (rubber in your ear). If there is a lot of earwax in this, it may be blocking the sound. Replace it if necessary.
Always use the proper cleaning material. Many manufacturers offer special cleaning kits tailored to your type of hearing aid.
3. Is the filter clogged?
Many in-the-ear hearing aids have a filter that blocks earwax. This filter is located just behind the rubber or cap that sits in your ear canal. If the filter is clogged, you often can’t hear anything at all.
- Replace the filter if you suspect it is clogged.
- Each device has its own filter system, so use only the type that goes with your device.
Tip: keep a few spare filters in the house so you don’t run out.
4. Check the setting or volume control
Sometimes the hearing aid is on, but the volume is accidentally on the lowest setting, or the program has been changed to a silent mode (such as โrestaurant modeโ or โmusicโ).
- Are you using app? Open the app associated with your hearing aids and check the program and volume setting.
- Do you use a push button on the device itself? Press and hold for a few seconds to switch between programs.
A wrong position happens more often than you think, especially if you accidentally pressed a button.
5. Has moisture gotten into the hearing aid?
Moisture is a silent killer for hearing aids. Rain, sweat or condensation can cause your hearing aids to suddenly stop functioning.
- Let your devices dry. Turn them off, remove the battery (or put them off the charger) and place them in a drying box or drying box. You can buy these ready-made and use them with drying tablets or electronic drying.
- Let them rest overnight and try them again the next morning.
A drying box is a good investment anyway to keep your appliances in good condition.
6. Do you have no sound on both devices at the same time?
If so, something else may be going on:
- Check the charger or battery supply. Perhaps there has been no power, the charger is defective or you accidentally use dead batteries.
- Check the settings in your smartphone app. Maybe the sound is muted or there is a connection problem.
Note that with bluetooth paired devices, you may also be temporarily disconnected from your phone.
7. Reset your hearing aids
If nothing helps, a reset may provide relief. How that works depends on the brand and type of hearing aid. Usually:
- Turn off both devices (for rechargeable devices: remove them from the charger, leave them turned off).
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Turn them back on or place them back in the charger.
Some devices reset themselves when opening and closing the battery compartment.
8. Time to call your audiologist?
Have you tried everything, but it’s still not working? Then it’s time for professional help. An audiologist can:
- Clean the appliances thoroughly with special equipment.
- Check the interior for defects.
- Perform any updates or adjust settings.
- Helping you request repairs (as needed).
Don’t wait too long. Especially if you depend on your hearing aids for your daily communication and social contacts.
Additional tips for the future
- Always carry a spare battery with you, especially when you are out and about. A dead battery is always inconvenient. You shop your hearing aid batteries easily and inexpensively in our webshop.
- Keep your devices dry and clean. A dry box or dry box with tablets significantly extends the life of your hearing aids.
- Schedule regular maintenance. Have your hearing aids checked and cleaned by your hearing care professional at least once or twice a year.
- Have a small emergency kit ready: think batteries, filters, a brush, a cleaning cloth and possibly a small pouch to keep everything in.
- Keep your old hearing aids as a backup. Just got a new pair, but your previous set is still working fine? Keep them charged or with new batteries so that if they malfunction or are lost, you won’t suddenly be without them.
- Consider an emergency hearing amplifier. These are often ready for immediate use and can provide a temporary solution if your hearing aids really do fail and you still have to wait for repair or replacement.
That way, you’ll be well prepared for both small and larger hearing emergencies – and avoid suddenly finding yourself in silence.
In conclusion
A suddenly silent hearing aid is annoying, but need not be immediate cause for panic. In many cases, the problem is quickly and easily solved with a cleaning, new battery or small reset moment.
As with other technology, if you know where to look, you are often on your way in no time. And if not? Then the experts at your hearing care professional or hearing aid supplier are there for you.
Would you also like to get handy cleaning kits, drying boxes or maintenance products? In our webshop you will find everything you need to keep your hearing aids working properly.