Self-Help Guide

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Common Troubleshooting

Step-by-step solutions for the most common hearing aid problems you can fix yourself.

  • Check the Basics First
    Make sure your hearing aid is turned on, battery is working, and volume is up. Check that the hearing aid is in your ear correctly.
  • Clean the Device
    Remove earwax and debris from the microphone, speaker, and vents using the cleaning tools that came with your hearing aids.
  • Check for Moisture
    Remove battery and place hearing aid in dehumidifier overnight. Moisture can cause many temporary problems.
  • Try a Fresh Battery
    Even if battery seems good, try a new one. Remove the tab and wait 2 minutes before inserting to let battery activate.
⚠️ Don't Force Anything
Never use water, force parts together, or use household cleaners. If something feels stuck, stop and contact your audiologist.
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Daily Care & Maintenance

Proper daily care extends hearing aid life and prevents many common problems.

  • Daily Cleaning Routine
    Wipe down with dry cloth each night. Use brush to gently clean microphone ports and speaker openings. Never use water or wet wipes.
  • Overnight Storage
    Open battery door, remove batteries if needed. Store in dehumidifying case to remove moisture buildup from daily wear.
  • Weekly Deep Clean
    Replace wax guards if your hearing aids have them. Check tubing for cracks or blockages. Clean earmolds thoroughly if removable.
  • Battery Care
    Store batteries in cool, dry place. Remove completely if not using hearing aids for extended periods. Check expiration dates.
⚙️

Comfort & Fit Issues

Solutions for discomfort, feedback, and fit problems that affect daily wear.

  • Insertion Problems
    Make sure you're putting the hearing aid in the correct ear (usually marked red for right, blue for left). Follow the insertion technique your audiologist showed you.
  • Feedback/Whistling
    Usually means hearing aid isn't seated properly in ear. Remove and reinsert carefully. Check for earwax buildup blocking proper fit.
  • Discomfort or Pain
    Remove hearing aid immediately if painful. Clean ears gently. Try again after short break. Persistent pain needs professional attention.
  • Sounds Too Loud/Soft
    Adjust volume if your hearing aids have manual controls. Many newer hearing aids adjust automatically - give them time to adapt to your environment.
🚨 When to Stop and Call for Help
Severe ear pain, bleeding, discharge, or sudden hearing loss requires immediate medical attention. Don't continue wearing hearing aids if you have ear pain.
👩‍⚕️

When to Seek Professional Help

Know when self-help isn't enough and you need audiologist or manufacturer support.

  • Hearing Changes
    If hearing aids that used to work well suddenly seem inadequate, your hearing may have changed. Schedule hearing test and adjustment appointment.
  • Physical Damage
    Cracks, broken pieces, or damage from drops/water exposure needs professional repair. Don't try to fix broken hearing aids yourself.
  • Persistent Problems
    If basic troubleshooting doesn't solve the problem after 2-3 attempts, contact your audiologist for adjustment or repair evaluation.
  • Comfort Issues
    Ongoing discomfort, pressure sores, or fit problems that don't resolve may require earmold remake or hearing aid adjustment.

Quick Problem Fixes

Fast solutions for the most common hearing aid problems.

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No Sound

Problem: Hearing aid seems dead
Check battery, clean speaker opening, make sure hearing aid is turned on. Try new battery even if old one seems good.
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Whistling/Feedback

Problem: High-pitched squealing sound
Remove and reinsert hearing aid properly. Check for earwax blocking the ear canal. Lower volume if adjustable.
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Battery Dies Quickly

Problem: Battery drains faster than usual
Check for moisture damage. Ensure battery door closes completely. Store batteries properly and check expiration dates.
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Water Damage

Problem: Hearing aid got wet
Remove battery immediately, open battery door, place in dehumidifier overnight. DO NOT use heat or hair dryer to dry it.
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Ear Discomfort

Problem: Hearing aid hurts or feels uncomfortable
Remove hearing aid, check for proper insertion. Clean your ear gently. If pain persists, contact your audiologist.
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Sounds Distorted

Problem: Sound quality is poor or unclear
Clean microphone and speaker openings. Check for moisture. Verify hearing aid is in correct ear (R/L marking).

When You Need Professional Help

🏥

UCSF Audiology Clinic

Comprehensive hearing aid support including adjustments, repairs, cleaning, and hearing retesting by certified audiologists.

Contact UCSF Audiology
🏭

Manufacturer Support

Contact your hearing aid manufacturer for warranty repairs, replacement parts, and technical support specific to your device model.

Find Manufacturer Info
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Emergency Hearing Care

For sudden hearing loss, severe ear pain, or urgent hearing problems that can't wait for a regular appointment.

Get Emergency Help

🚀 Quick Actions

🔧 Need Immediate Help?

If your hearing aids aren't working and you can't fix them with our troubleshooting guide, don't wait. Contact UCSF audiology for same-day support.

Get Professional Help

🏆 UCSF Hearing Aid Support

Our audiologists provide ongoing support for all hearing aid brands and models, whether you got them at UCSF or elsewhere. We're here to help you succeed with your hearing aids.