Common Hearing Aid Problems and How to Fix Them

November 28th, 2025 | by Jasmine D'Souza | Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are designed to be a reliable prescription for people with hearing loss. They are built to be durable and easy to use, however, like any form of technology, issues can happen. If you’re new to wearing hearing aids, or even if you’ve been using them for years, understanding common problems you might see and how to troubleshoot them will help you in your journey and provide insight on when it is best to see a professional.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the more common hearing aid problems we see, and how you can fix them.

Key Takeaways

Most issues with hearing aids are minor and can often be troubleshooted and fixed at home.
Common problems include weak batteries, feedback or whistling, distorted sound, and physical discomfort.
Regular cleaning and maintenance will help to prevent moisture and wax buildup, which are two very common problems we see amongst hearing aid users.
Poor sound quality or sudden volume loss doesn’t always mean your device is defective.
Any persistent issues with your hearing aids should always be checked by your hearing professional.
Many clinics will be able to offer same day cleanings, re-programming, and in more serious cases, repairs.

Four Most Common Hearing Aid Problems

Even the best hearing aids can experience challenges. Some of the more frequent issues we have noticed users report are:

Battery Issues

If your hearing aid suddenly stops working, more often than not your battery is to blame. Disposable batteries can drain faster than you’d expect, especially with regular use. Rechargeable hearing aid models may need a proper reset or a full overnight charge.

Quick Fix: Replace or charge your batteries and make sure the device is clean and dry. When removing the sticker off disposable batteries, leave it for one minute before putting them in your hearing aids. It is also a good idea to keep spare batteries on hand. If you are using disposable batteries, they are often complimentary for a period under your warranty.

Distorted or Weak Sound

Sometimes a buildup of wax can cause your hearing aid to sound distorted – even giving off a muted or “tinny” sound. This buildup can begin to affect your receiver, tubing, and the wax guard.

Quick Fix: The first step is to try cleaning your hearing aid with a soft brush or cloth, and replacing the wax guard. If the issues persist, we recommend contacting your provider so your clinician can take a closer look and make any necessary fixes.

Feedback or Whistling

Sometimes, a high-pitched whistling sound occurs when sound leaks out and is then re-amplified by your microphone. This normally happens when the hearing aid isn’t sat properly in your ear, if the earmold no longer fits snugly, or if you have wax build up.

Quick Fix: Try re-inserting the hearing aid, also check for cracks in the tubing or dome. In this case, if the issue persists, it is a good idea to have your hearing health provider re-evaluate your device to ensure a proper fit, as well as check for wax in the ears.

Hearing Aid Feels Uncomfortable

If your device feels loose or is causing irritation, this could mean the earmold shape may need readjustment. Over time, your ear canal changes and can make a hearing aid that once felt comfortable feel different.

Quick Fix: In this circumstance, do not force the hearing aid in your ear. Instead, schedule an appointment with your provider to check the fitting, as your hearing aid should feel comfortable to wear.

How to Know If Your Hearing Aid is Defective

A hearing aid might be considered defective if it still does not function after replacing the batteries, cleaning, and professional adjustments are made. Signs can include complete silence, constant distortion, or components (like microphones or receivers) no longer respond even after repair attempts.

If your device is still under warranty, your provider should be able to send the device to its manufacturer for testing/repairs, or replacement. For those who have had their devices for a longer period of time, ongoing issues could indicate that that it may be time to upgrade, as the problem could have more to do with natural wear and tear.

For more information on when to know if it’s time to upgrade, read our full guide here.

If you are experiencing persistent issues, we recommend speaking to your clinician about repairing the device, or an upgrade.

Three Ways a Hearing Aid Can Malfunction

Hearing aids are a sensitive device that can sometimes malfunction in a few different ways:

Electrical Malfunction: Problems with circuitry or the internal wiring, which is often due to moisture or physical damage.
Acoustic Malfunction: This is normally issues with the receiver, microphone, or tubing that will affect the sound clarity or volume.
Software or Programming Errors: Incorrect settings or outdated firmware can cause distortion, feedback, or unbalanced sound.

A hearing health profession will be able to diagnose which type of malfunction is occurring with your device and determine what the best course of action should be to restore it, or if it needs to be replaced.

Other Common Issues to Watch For

Not every hearing aid issue will fit into a specific category. Sometimes, the issue could be as simple as environmental factors or small maintenance oversights. Here are a few additional issues that can affect your devices performance:

Moisture Damage: Sweat or humidity can cause corrosion in hearing aids. There are drying kits and humidifiers that can be purchased to help with this.
Blocked Microphone Ports: Dust or debris will muffle sound in your hearing aid. It is important to keep these areas clean by gently using a brush. You should be able to find these at your hearing clinic.
Connectivity Problems: Bluetooth hearing aids may occasionally unpair from smartphones or TVs. When this happens, the first step should be to restart both devices and try to reconnect again through the app or your phone’s Bluetooth settings.

Taking a few minutes each day to clean your hearing aids can go a long way in preventing these issues and help extend the longevity of your device.

When to Visit a Hearing Professional

If your hearing aids are still not performing properly after basic troubleshooting, it’s time to visit your provider for professional help.

They can:

Perform a professional cleaning and inspection.
Replace wax guards, tubing, and filters.
Test for electrical or programming faults.
Re-fit or re-program your hearing aids for the best sound experience.

If problems continue after seeing your provider, they can also determine whether your current devices are due for replacement or if upgrading to newer technology would give you better performance and reliability.

Next Steps

Hearing aids are an important investment in your quality of life. Most issues you encounter can be fixed quickly with little maintenance, but if problems persist, professional help is always available.

If your hearing aids aren’t working as they should, book an appointment with your nearest Hearing Solutions clinic and our team can diagnose the issue, perform in-clinic repairs, and make sure you’re hearing clearly again.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT call now 1-888-335-0771