Hearing aid not working? Nine checks before you panic

Check the simple things first

• Battery or charge — charge fully overnight, or insert a fresh battery. This resolves a surprising share of cases.
• Switch position — confirm the device is actually on and the volume or program is not at zero.
• Earwax on the receiver or tip — the most common single cause. Clean the tip carefully; wax physically blocks sound.
• Blocked tubing (BTE) — condensation or debris in the tube kills sound; detach and check.
• Wrong ear — devices can be swapped in the rush of a morning. Check the markings.

Then check the environment

• Volume in the app — someone may have changed a setting unknowingly.
• Streaming mode — if sound seems missing but only in one program, the device may be stuck receiving a phone connection.
• Wet or recently cleaned ear — moisture in the canal can temporarily distort sound; dry the ear and device.

Signs it really needs the clinic

Whistling that survives fresh tips and correct insertion, distorted sound at all volumes, a cracked casing, or a device that stays silent after a full charge and a clean — those need professional service. Do not open the device yourself; moisture and disassembly often turn a free service visit into a paid repair.

Keep the warranty in mind

Most modern hearing aids carry multi-year manufacturer warranty. Before paying for any repair, confirm what the warranty covers and whether the clinic offers a loaner device during repairs. Note the model and serial number now, so you are not searching for them in a crisis.