Troubleshooting Guide for Hearing Aids

Woman at a bright kitchen table looking closely at a small hearing aid in her palm

Whistling or squealing

  • The hearing instrument or ear mould may not be inserted properly
  • Ear wax in canal
  • For BTE instruments, check the tubing and mould for splits and cracks
  • For ITE instruments, check the shell for cracks
  • The hearing instrument or ear mould is too loose
  • Problem with the electronic components
  • Re-insert your hearing instrument or ear mould
  • Have your ear canal examined by All Ears in Hearing or your doctor and use wax removal products
  • Take device to All Ears in Hearing to repair or replace any damaged tubing, ear moulds or shells

No volume or volume very soft

  • Instrument not turned on
  • Battery
  • Blocked sound outlet
  • Battery contacts dirty or corroded
  • Wax build up in canal or drop in hearing
  • The device may be in telecoil position
  • Check to make sure it is on and battery door fully closed
  • Check battery is working using a battery tester. Also check that the battery is in correct way
  • For BTE instruments: Clean sound outlet and check tubing is not blocked. Use an air puffer to remove any blockages.For ITE instruments: Clean sound outlet or replace wax protection
  • Open and close the battery door several times. Clean the battery contacts carefully with a dry soft cotton tip
  • Open and close the battery door several times. Clean the battery contacts carefully with a dry soft cotton tip
  • Check the listening program you are in

Whirring noise, fading, weak or ‘motor boat’ sounds

  • Dirty or corroded battery contacts
  • Moisture in hearing instrument
  • Low or faulty battery
  • Open and close the battery door several times. Clean the battery contacts with a dry, soft cotton tip. Clean the battery surface with a dry cloth or tissue.
  • Place hearing instrument in dehumidifier kit (remove battery first)
  • Replace battery with a new one

Instrument works intermittently

  • Low or faulty battery
  • Moisture in hearing instrument
  • Replace battery with a new one
  • Place hearing instrument in dehumidifier kit (remove battery first)
Hearing aid and a small cleaning brush on a white bench beside a cup of teaMan checking his phone beside a pair of hearing aids on a sunny windowsillSmall beige hearing aid in an open palm in bright daylight
Older couple chatting on a sofa as one reaches for a charging case on the side tablePerson smiling on a phone call at a sunny desk with a hearing aid case beside them
Rochedale07 3841 3764Shailer Park0478 282 561

Frequently asked questions

Why is my hearing aid whistling or squealing?

Whistling can happen if the device or ear mould is not sitting properly, or if it is loose. Damaged tubing or a cracked shell can also be involved, and so can a blocked ear. Try re-inserting it first. If it continues, bring it in for a check. Call 07 3841 3764 (Rochedale South) or 0478 282 561 (Shailer Park).

Why is my hearing aid very quiet or not working?

Start with the simple checks: make sure it is switched on, the battery is fresh and in the right way, the battery door is fully closed, and the sound outlet is not blocked. Also check the listening program. If it still sounds quiet, contact our team. Call 07 3841 3764 (Rochedale South) or 0478 282 561 (Shailer Park).

Is a quiet hearing aid always a faulty device?

Not always. Sounds can seem quieter if the device is blocked or the battery is low, but your hearing may also have changed. If you notice a sudden drop in hearing in one or both ears, see your GP or an emergency department the same day, and do not wait for a clinic appointment.

What causes whirring, fading or motorboat sounds?

These sounds can be caused by a low or faulty battery, dirty or corroded battery contacts, or moisture inside the device. Replacing the battery with a new one is a sensible first step. If the sound continues, contact our team so we can check the device. Call 07 3841 3764 (Rochedale South) or 0478 282 561 (Shailer Park).

Why does my hearing aid cut in and out?

An intermittent sound is often linked to a low or faulty battery or moisture in the device. Try a fresh battery first. A dehumidifier kit can help dry the hearing aid, with the battery removed before use. If it keeps happening, ask our team to check it.

What should I do if my hearing aid tubing or shell is cracked?

Stop using the device and bring it to us. Damaged tubing, ear moulds or shells can cause whistling and need to be repaired or replaced by the clinic. Do not try to fix them yourself. Call 07 3841 3764 (Rochedale South) or 0478 282 561 (Shailer Park).

When should I book an appointment rather than keep troubleshooting?

Book if you have tried the simple checks and the problem remains, if a part looks damaged, or if your hearing seems different. Our team can check the device and your settings. We can also talk through anything that is worrying you. Call 07 3841 3764 (Rochedale South) or 0478 282 561 (Shailer Park).
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Conditions apply under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program.