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Hearing aid not working? Eight checks before a repair

Most hearing aid problems have a simple cause. Work through these checks first. Very often the aid is fine, and it is a blocked wax guard, a flat battery, or wax in your ear.

Call 07442 499414Book Earwax Removal →
Hearing aids  ·  3 min read  ·  By our HCPC registered audiologists  ·  15 October 2026

The checklist

  1. Power. Is it switched on? For battery aids, try a fresh battery and remove the sticker tab a minute before use. For rechargeable aids, check the charger lights and that the aid is seated properly.
  2. Wax guard. The tiny filter on the receiver blocks easily. Change it. This fixes a large share of dead or quiet aids.
  3. Dome or mould. Check for wax and clean or replace it.
  4. Tubes. On aids with tubes, look for wax, moisture droplets, cracks or hardening.
  5. Microphone openings. Brush gently with the cleaning brush to clear dust or debris.
  6. Moisture. If it has been sweaty or rainy, dry it overnight in a drying case if you have one.
  7. Programs and volume. Check you have not switched to a quiet program, or muted it from the app.
  8. Bluetooth. For streaming problems, turn Bluetooth off and on, restart the phone, or forget and re-pair the aids.

It could be your ears

If your hearing aid seems quieter but passes all these checks, the problem may be earwax in your ear canal, which blocks sound and clogs the receiver. It is very common in hearing aid wearers. It is also possible that your hearing has changed and the aid needs adjusting.

Still not working?

Call or WhatsApp us on 07442 499414. Free diagnosis, all major brands, clinic or home.

Call 07442 499414

When to book a repair

If the aid is still dead, distorted, crackling, cutting out or whistling constantly, it probably needs a professional check. We repair all major brands, in or out of warranty, with a free diagnosis and a clear quote before any chargeable work. In clinic or at home.

Frequently asked questions.

Usually a blocked wax guard or dome, a low battery, or wax in your ear canal.

Yes. We repair all major brands, wherever you got them.

Simple repairs can often be done at the appointment. Manufacturer repairs usually take one to two weeks.

Back to clear hearing.

Repairs, servicing and earwax removal, in clinic or at home.

Call 07442 499414Book Earwax Removal →

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Written and clinically reviewed by our HCPC registered audiologists. Last reviewed: 15 October 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your hearing or your ears, book an appointment or speak to your GP.