When a hearing aid suddenly goes quiet, an ordinary day can feel much harder. Many problems come down to something small, like a drained battery or a clogged wax guard, and you can often sort them out at home in a few minutes. Dr. Mandy Rounseville-Norgaard has worn hearing aids since the age of three, so she understands firsthand how frustrating a silent device can be.

Start With Power, Charge, and Batteries

Make sure the hearing aid is turned on and that the volume hasn't been lowered by accident. It's easy to overlook, especially if hearing aids are new to you.

For rechargeable hearing aids, confirm that each device is seated firmly in its charger and that the indicator light shows it's charging. A loose fit or an unplugged charger can leave you with a dead hearing aid in the morning.

For models that use disposable batteries, check that the battery is inserted in the right direction and that the battery door closes completely. After you peel the tab off a new zinc-air battery, letting it sit for about a minute before inserting it gives it time to activate. If you seem to be going through batteries faster than usual, let us know so we can look into why.

Replace the Wax Guard

Earwax often makes a hearing aid sound weak or muffled. Many receiver-in-canal and custom hearing aids have a tiny wax guard (also called a wax filter or wax trap) where sound leaves the device, and once it fills with wax, sound has trouble getting through. A fresh wax guard from your supply kit takes a moment to install and often brings the volume right back. Daily cleaning with the brush that came with your hearing aids helps prevent buildup.

Look Over the Domes

The soft dome on the end of the receiver can collect wax and debris as well. Wipe it clean, and if it looks torn, stiff, discolored, or loose, replace it so it sits securely. A dome that fits poorly can also contribute to whistling, so a new one sometimes clears up feedback too.

If a dome ever comes off and stays in your ear canal, please avoid reaching for tweezers or a cotton swab. Call our office, and we'll help you figure out the safest next step.

Inspect the Tubing on Behind-the-Ear Models

If you wear a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid with an earmold, the tubing deserves a close look. Moisture from the ear can collect inside the tube and block sound, and over time tubing can harden, crack, or turn yellow. A tube blower can clear out moisture. Tubing that is stiff, cracked, or blocked is something we replace in our office.

Reset Bluetooth and App Settings

If your hearing aids work on their own but won't stream calls or music, try these steps:

• Turn your phone's Bluetooth off and back on.
• Restart your hearing aids by turning them off and on again.
• Open your hearing aid app and confirm that streaming isn't muted and that you're in the program you expect.
• Check for updates to the app and to your phone's operating system.
• If the connection still fails, remove the hearing aids from your phone's Bluetooth list and pair them again using the manufacturer's instructions.

Signs It's Time to Bring Your Hearing Aid In

Some problems need professional attention. Contact us if you notice:

• A cracked shell or case, which can let dirt and moisture inside
• Static, buzzing, or whining that continues after cleaning
• Sound that stays too soft or muffled after you've replaced the wax guard and dome
• Sound that feels sharp or uncomfortable without being especially loud
• A broken volume control or button
• Whistling, sore spots, or an earmold that no longer fits comfortably
• A hearing aid that got wet or was dropped and hasn't worked right since

Hearing Aid Repair in Sioux Falls

At Sioux Falls Audiology Associates, we handle many repairs right in our office, including professional wax removal, tubing replacement, program adjustments, and refitting. Dr. Norgaard services all hearing aids, including devices purchased elsewhere, and we keep wax traps, domes, and batteries in stock. For a major issue such as a malfunctioning microphone, we can send your device to the manufacturer with your permission. Most new hearing aids are covered by a warranty for a certain period, which can pay for repairs, and we also offer service plans to keep your hearing aids working and your prescription up to date.

For hearing aid repair in Sioux Falls, call us at 605-306-3050 or visit our office at 4948 E. 57th Street. We'll help get your hearing aids working well again.