Hearing aids are essential tools for maintaining daily communication and overall quality of life. When they stop working properly, conversations are disrupted, important alerts are missed, and frustration finds its way into daily activities.
No electronic device is going to last forever. Even with proper care, daily wear and tear can cause device performance issues over time. However, knowing the signs that you need hearing aid repair services can save you time, protect your auditory health, and even extend the life of your device.
Read on to learn about some of the most common signs that your hearing aids need professional repair.
1. Your Hearing Aid Has Visible Damage
One of the biggest telltale signs that a hearing aid needs professional repair is visible damage anywhere on the device. Even if you don’t notice any functionality issues right away, physical damage can lead to many performance problems.
Below are some common signs of visible damage to check for:
- Cracks in the casing
- Broken or bent tubing
- Scratches, dents, and scuffs
- Detached or cracked ear mold
- Bent or broken battery door
- Loose or rattling parts
If you notice any kind of cosmetic damage, it’s important to schedule hearing aid repair services as soon as possible. Getting professional care will prevent further damage and ensure your hearing aid continues to work effectively long-term.
2. Device Keeps Turning Off Unexpectedly
If your hearing aid suddenly powers down on its own, this issue is more than a minor annoyance. Frequent shutdowns can disrupt conversations, make it hard to go about your daily routine, and reduce your confidence in your device overall.
If your hearing aid turns off unexpectedly, it could indicate an internal malfunction, such as:
- A loose battery connection
- Damaged on/off switch
- Internal short circuits
- Moisture damage
- And more
Addressing power issues promptly allows a professional to pinpoint the cause, prevent further damage, and restore your hearing aid to consistent, reliable performance.
3. Your Hearing Aid is Not Turning On
When your hearing aid won’t power on at all, it’s a clear sign that something isn’t functioning correctly. In some cases, this issue can be fixed at home, like if the battery is drained or is faulty. In this scenario, simply replacing the battery or recharging your devices should fix the issue.
However, if your hearing aid still won’t turn on, it could indicate an internal issue like:
- Corroded battery contacts from moisture exposure
- Faulty wiring or circuitry
- Damaged battery compartment door
- And more
Seeking professional hearing aid repair ensures that the underlying power issue is properly identified and fixed, restoring your device to peak performance.
4. Persistent Sound Quality Issues
Changes in sound quality are some of the most notorious signs that something’s wrong with your hearing aids. While a low battery or device settings can sometimes be the cause, persistent sound problems usually require professional evaluation and repair.
Some examples of hearing aid sound quality issues include:
- Sounds seem muffled, weak, or unclear
- Feedback or whistling
- Static or crackling noises
- Buzzing or humming sounds
- Sound keeps cutting in and out
- No sound at all
If audio issues like these persist even with full battery life and correct settings adjustments, contact a specialist for hearing aid repair services as soon as possible.
5. Your Hearing Aid Got Wet
Even a little water can cause big problems for hearing aids, especially if they’re not designed to handle moisture. Whether it’s an accidental dip in the pool, a sudden rainy downpour, or a humid day, moisture can sneak inside and affect your device’s internal components.
Common signs of hearing aid water damage include:
- Distorted or crackling sound
- Intermittent performance or sudden shutoffs
- Device won’t turn on, even with new or charged batteries
- Corrosion or residue around battery contacts or ports
- Reduced volume, muffled audio, or no sound at all
If your hearing aids got wet or you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, don’t wait—schedule a hearing aid repair service today.
You may also want to consider talking to your hearing care specialist about the latest waterproof hearing aid options, like the Aris AI. These advanced waterproof devices are built to withstand splashes, sweat, and even full submersion in water for short periods of time.
6. Hearing Aid Fit Feels Uncomfortable or Loose
Your hearing aids should feel secure and comfortable all day, every day. If they suddenly start slipping, rubbing, or causing irritation, it could be a sign that something isn’t quite right and may require professional repair or adjustment.
Hearing aid fit issues can develop over time for several reasons, including:
- Worn or damaged ear molds or domes
- Loose or bent tubing or receiver wires
- Physical damage to the shell or casing
- Build-up of earwax or debris inside the device or ear
If your hearing aids no longer fit comfortably or stay in place, it’s important to contact your specialist immediately. They will inspect your device, replace worn parts, and ensure your hearing aids fit comfortably and perform their best for years to come.
7. Frequently Troubleshooting Hearing Aid Issues
If it feels like you’re constantly troubleshooting hearing aid issues, this could point to a larger problem that requires professional repair. Frequently replacing or charging the batteries, having to fine-tune your settings constantly, or restarting your devices just to get them working properly could signal a deeper issue.
Attending Clean and Check appointments every six months or as needed is essential to keeping your hearing aids in tip-top shape. These quick maintenance visits help keep small issues from turning into more costly repairs and prevent the need to troubleshoot issues altogether.
It might be time for a hearing aid Clean and Check if you’ve noticed:
- Muffled or weak sound quality
- Whistling or feedback
- Battery draining faster than usual
- Buttons or controls not responding properly
- Visible damage
- Buildup of wax or debris
During these appointments, your specialist will thoroughly inspect and clean your devices, replace parts like wax guards or tubing, and test performance to ensure everything is functioning correctly. If a more complex issue is found that can’t be fixed in-office, your specialist can send your hearing aid directly to the manufacturer for repair, saving you the time and hassle.
Get Professional Hearing Aid Repair at Hearing Aid Institute in Great Falls
Your hearing aids should be dependable tools that support you every day and in every situation. If you’ve experienced any of the above issues, scheduling professional repair services is essential.
At Hearing Aid Institute in Great Falls, we’re proud to offer new patient services for all hearing aid brands, no matter where you purchased them. Click the button below to schedule an appointment today.