Why Does My Hearing Aid Keep Shutting Off?

Hearing aids are very effective in the treatment of hearing loss, but seeing as they’re complex devices, they sometimes need a little TLC. Proper cleaning and maintenance of hearing aids are essential to prevent any damage, and it’s also recommended to have regular check-ups with an audiologist to ensure they’re functioning as they should. By being proactive, you can help to prevent problems with your hearing aid, but if you do have issues you can try some troubleshooting solutions. There are several possibilities as to why a hearing aid keeps shutting off or won’t turn on. An audiologist can help you get to the root of the problem and provide the best solution.

Reasons hearing aids can stop working

If you’re hearing aid keeps shutting off, this could be to do with the battery. It might need replacing. If it’s not a battery issue, then the hearing aid could have been damaged in some way. Here are some of the common causes of damage to hearing aids:

• Neglecting to clean your hearing aid: An audiologist will advise you on the correct way to clean your hearing aid. This is important and should be done daily otherwise dirt, moisture and debris could cause them to stop working. Earwax is the main culprit. Because most wearers keep their hearing aids in all day, the build-up of earwax is inevitable. After a time, this can clog the small parts of your hearing aid.
• Improper storage: Proper storage of your hearing aid is also essential to protect it from the elements. They should be stored in a cool, dry place and out of the way. Leaving the battery compartment open is also recommended, to ensure it dries out when the hearing aid isn’t in use.
• Wearing them in certain situations: In certain situations, your hearing aid is more likely to meet moisture, which could damage it. It’s better to remove them for swimming or washing. Heat can also be potentially damaging. Take out your hearing aids to dry and style your hair.
• Dropping them on a hard surface: Nobody is perfect, and we can all be a little clumsy at times. Dropping your hearing aid on a hard surface could damage it, however, so it’s a good idea to sit down while you insert or remove them to be safe.

Although hearing aids are not indestructible, they are robust pieces of equipment and can be repaired. If you have any problems, or your hearing aid won’t turn on, ask an audiologist for help.

What to do if your hearing aid is off

There are several troubleshooting solutions your audiologist might ask you to try first. To start, check the battery. Remove it and ensure that you reinsert it in the correct position. If it still doesn’t switch on, inspect it for a blockage or damage. Look for a build-up of wax or debris, as this might be blocking the sound. Look at the manual for any other suggestions. If you’re hearing aid keeps shutting off, make an appointment with an audiologist. They will be able to make any urgent repairs. 

Common issues with hearing aids

Even if your hearing aid turns on, there’s a chance you might experience some other common problems. These include strange sounds, whistling or distortion. This could be due to the batteries as well. Inspect them for any corrosion and check they’ve been put in correctly. If there are no visible issues with the batteries, try adjusting the settings. If you don’t have any luck, give your audiologist a call.

Some wearers of hearing aids experience volume issues as well. If the volume is set to maximum, then this could be due to a blockage. Your hearing aid could just need a thorough clean. On occasion, the hearing aid might not have been fit properly. Hearing aids are custom made and designed to be completely comfortable for the wearer. If yours isn’t secure or doesn’t seem to fit well, book an appointment with an audiologist.

An important part of an audiologist’s job is to ensure your hearing aids are functioning correctly. It’s important to meet them for regular check-ups after you’re first fitting. This way they can ensure your hearing aids are working properly. At Affordable Audiology & Hearing Service, we provide all our clients free advice about hearing aids. If you would like to learn more about Affordable Audiology & Hearing Service, contact us at (920) 267-5220.