Key insights
Common issues such as dead batteries, whistling or feedback and damp hearing aids can be fixed at home.
Jump to insightDirty contacts are a common reason hearing aid batteries fail.
Jump to insightEarwax buildup affects the fit of a hearing aid and often leads to sound distortion or feedback.
Jump to insightCommon hearing aid problems and when to get help
Hearing aids are incredibly complex microcomputers. However, you can still resolve common issues without a trip to your provider. The most common hearing aid problems can often be fixed at home. These include dead batteries, whistling or feedback, and hearing aids exposed to moisture.
Volume and sound quality are also common issues, but many modern hearing aids offer mobile apps that let you adjust the settings without fumbling with tiny controls or visiting your provider.
However, if your hearing aid shows signs of overheating, is immersed in liquid, suffers physical damage or won’t activate after basic troubleshooting, you'll probably need to see your provider.
If you can’t fix your hearing aid at home, contact your provider or manufacturer to find out whether its warranty or a service contract covers professional repairs. Hearing aid warranties cover manufacturing defects while service plans and extended warranties often offer extra coverage. For example, an extended hearing aid warranty may cover accidental damage.
When to fix a hearing aid at home
Some hearing aid problems have simple at-home fixes, while others require immediate help from your provider. Use the table below to determine your next step:
| Problem | Fix at home? | Recommended next step |
|---|---|---|
| Minor moisture exposure, such as sweat | Dry thoroughly | |
| Immersed in liquid | Contact your provider | |
| Hot to the touch | Stop using; contact your provider immediately | |
| Bulging case | Stop using; contact your provider immediately | |
| Broken case or tubing | Contact your provider | |
| Won’t stay securely in the ear | Request an adjustment | |
| Dead battery | Replace or recharge battery | |
| Frequent feedback | Check fit, volume and earwax buildup | |
| Corroded battery contacts | Contact provider |
» NEED REPLACEMENTS? Top-rated hearing aids
Troubleshooting hearing aid power and battery problems
Replaceable hearing aid batteries last around three to 20 days, depending on type, but rechargeable units often need to be charged every night.
Pro tip
Signs your hearing aids may be low on power include distorted sounds, needing to increase the volume, warning beeps and alerts on your mobile app.
Stop using your hearing aid if it is hot to the touch or physically damaged or if you notice bulging batteries or corrosion. Contact the manufacturer or your hearing aid provider for assistance.
Troubleshooting power issues
If none of the warning signs above are present, choose the problem that best describes what your hearing aid is doing:
- It turns on but produces little or no sound.
Increase the volume and make sure the hearing aid isn’t in quiet mode. Check the settings using the device controls or mobile app. - It uses a replaceable battery and won’t turn on.
Make sure the battery is facing the correct direction and that you've removed its protective sticker. For a zinc-air battery, wait five to 20 minutes after removing the sticker before inserting it. If the hearing aid still doesn’t turn on, try another new battery. - It uses a rechargeable battery and won’t turn on.
Place the hearing aid securely in its charging dock and look for the charging light. If the light doesn’t come on, check the contacts for debris and clean them with a dry cotton swab. - It continues to lose power.
Check the battery contacts for debris. If you see corrosion or the hearing aid still doesn’t work after these checks, contact the manufacturer or your provider.
How to get more life out of your hearing aid batteries
No matter what type of battery you have, the following practices can help extend its life:
- Keep contacts clean
- Use a dehumidifier in the home
- Leave storage cases open when not in use
- Store away from sunlight in a cool, dry place
You’ll also need to perform some battery-specific care:
- Rechargeable batteries: Follow the manufacturer’s charging schedule and use the recommended charging dock.
- Replaceable batteries: Clean and dry your hands before changing the batteries. For zinc-air batteries, wait five to 20 minutes after removing the sticker before inserting them.
Common hearing aid problems caused by moisture and earwax
Moisture is the enemy of all things electronic, and earwax, while normal and natural, often clogs parts or blocks sounds from transmitting properly.
Signs of hearing aids affected by moisture or earwax include:
- Muffled sounds
- Distorted sounds
- Whistling
Moisture sources that affect hearing aids
Chances are, you’ve heard of someone accidentally dropping a hearing aid into a drink, but hearing aids can be exposed to moisture in other, less obvious ways, including:
- High humidity
- Swimming
- Handling hearing aids with wet hands
- Sweat, such as after a workout
- Showers
- Rain
What to do if your hearing aids get wet
If your hearing aids get wet, immediately remove them from your ears and dry them off with a microfiber towel. If they were completely immersed and have replaceable batteries, take the batteries out and dry the battery compartment to prevent corrosion.
A regular household dehumidifier can reduce daily strain on hearing aids, but hearing-aid-specific dehumidifiers and desiccant jars are also available. These devices usually run between $25 and $60 and can help you protect your investment.
How to prevent earwax damage
Routine maintenance and cleaning are the best ways to protect your hearing aids from earwax. Foreign objects in the ears (like hearing aids) can increase earwax production, making good hygiene and hearing aid cleaning necessary. Hearing aids can also block airflow in the ear canal, preventing earwax from drying and working its way out naturally.
Many hearing aids have earwax guards that make cleaning hearing aids easier. However, even with wax guards, hearing aids should be cleaned nightly, following your manufacturer's recommendations.
Common causes of hearing aid feedback and whistling
Feedback and whistling from hearing aids often happen when sound hits the microphone multiple times, creating a feedback loop.
Hearing aids work by amplifying sound and directing it into the ear canal. Feedback occurs when some of that amplified sound escapes and reenters the microphone, where it’s amplified again, creating a loud, high-pitched whistle.
The most common causes of feedback in hearing aids are:
- Volume set too high
- Earwax blocking the ear canal
- Incorrect insertion or a loose fit
- Hats, scarves or headphones covering the hearing aid
- Damage to the tubing or casing
Infrequent feedback or whistling is to be expected with hearing aids, but if it happens frequently, you may need to have your hearing aids checked for damage or have the fit adjusted.
» FIND OUT: What hearing aid data reveals
FAQ
What is the biggest complaint about hearing aids?
The most common complaint is likely how hearing aids feel. New users quickly adapt to the feel of hearing aids, but many report it feels weird to have something in their ear at first.
What is the 5-minute rule for hearing aids?
The five-minute rule refers to zinc-air battery replacement. Zinc-air batteries activate when exposed to air after removing the plastic sticker from the battery. Allow the batteries to sit for at least five minutes before placing them in the hearing aids.
How do I know if my hearing aid is broken?
Your hearing aid may be broken if:
- It won’t turn on after you replace or recharge the battery
- It has gotten wet
- It’s hot to the touch
- The battery or case is bulging
- The tubing or case is cracked
- Changing the settings in the app has no effect
If your hearing aid is broken, call your provider to schedule an evaluation and find out if it can be repaired.
What are the disadvantages of hearing aids?
Common disadvantages include high upfront costs, regular cleaning and battery maintenance and the risk of losing the devices. Some users also experience discomfort, feedback or concerns about how the devices look.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Mayo Clinic, "5-minute rule extends life of zinc hearing device batteries." Accessed Aug. 4, 2026.
- Johns Hopkins Medicine, "Troubleshooting Hearing Aids." Accessed Aug. 4, 2026.
- Mayo Clinic, "Earwax blockage." Accessed Aug. 4, 2026.
- James Madison University, "Perceived occlusion and comfort in receiver-in-the- ear hearing aids." Accessed Aug. 4, 2026.
- National Institutes of Health, "Hearing aids slow cognitive decline in people at high risk." Accessed Aug. 4, 2026.
