How to Troubleshoot a Hearing Aid

1). Check the battery. A low battery is one of the most common reasons hearing aids fail to work. Be sure the battery is installed properly and not corroded. If you can't tell whether the battery is dead, replace it with a new one and test it.
2). Test volume levels. In many instances, the volume of the hearing aid has inadvertently been turned too high or too low. A hearing aid on low may not amplify sound to any helpful degree. A hearing aid that has been turned too high can produce annoying feedback or whistling in the ear.
3). Remove wax from hearing aids. It is perfectly natural that earwax will build up on hearing aids. Using a cotton swab, gently remove the wax from the aids. Do not use harsh chemicals or cleaners.
4). Inspect the tubing. Hearing aid tubing is susceptible to cracks, moisture and general unraveling over time. If you spot imperfections in the tubing, replace it with new tubing. Though it depends on the type of hearing aid you have, most tubing is easily popped into place. If you are in doubt, however, take the hearing aid to a professional technician.