In a nutshell: If a hearing aid becomes quieter or sounds muffled, the number one cause for receiver-in-canal (RIC) devices is a clogged wax filter or a clogged dome. For behind-the-ear (BTE) devices with a sound tube, it's a clogged sound tube; for in-the-ear (ITE) devices, it's the wax filter or dome. This is followed by dirty microphones, dead battery or empty rechargeable battery, an adjusted program, a defective receiver, and finally, a change in hearing, across all styles of hearing aids. Simply work your way down the list.
1a. For Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) Devices: Check Wax Filter and Dome
The small filter in front of the receiver protects the technology from earwax and inevitably becomes clogged; the same applies to the dome. The result: The sound becomes quieter and muffled until the device seemingly fails. Changing the filter takes less than a minute. You can find instructions in our Master Knowledge Library and suitable wax filters here in the shop. While you're at it, clean the dome or replace it if necessary.
1b. For Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Devices: Check Sound Tube
With BTE devices, sound passes through the earmold, and the tube is not protected by a filter. Earwax can therefore accumulate in the sound tube and block it. First, clean the earmold and tube with auriFIX spray, cleaning wipes, and the brush with a wax loop. If that doesn't help, carefully pull the tube off the hearing aid and blow through it with the drying bulb.
1c. For In-the-Ear (ITE) Devices: Check Filter and Dome
For custom ITEs, check the wax filter; for ITEs with a dome, also check the dome. These are the same filters (mostly CeruStop) and the same domes as for RIC devices; you can find suitable filters here.
2. Clean Microphones
The microphone openings also become clogged with skin flakes and dust. Gently brush them with a dry cleaning brush; a soft toothbrush is also suitable for this. Please never use needles or water.
3. Check Battery or Rechargeable Battery
For battery-powered devices: insert a fresh battery. For rechargeable devices: place the device in the charging station for 10 minutes and check if it is charging. Then try again.
4. Check Program and Restart Device
Sometimes the program is accidentally adjusted. The simplest way: restart the hearing aid. For battery-powered devices, open and close the battery door; for rechargeable devices, briefly place them in the charging station, wait a minute, and then remove them.
5. Check Receiver
If it remains quiet, even though the filter and battery are fresh, the receiver is often worn out – a classic wear part. You can read how to identify this and how to replace it yourself in our guide to defective receivers. Replacement receivers can be found here.
6. Your Hearing Itself
If nothing changes, the problem may be with your ear: Very often, it's simply clogged ears. Have an audiologist examine your ear (otoscope); if necessary, they will refer you to an ENT specialist for cleaning. If your ears are clear, a new hearing test is worthwhile: If your hearing has changed, the audiologist will adjust the devices accordingly.
7. Technical Defect in the Device
If none of the previous points apply, there may be a technical defect, for example, in the microphones or amplifier. This cannot be fixed yourself: the hearing care professional will check the device and have it repaired by the manufacturer if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should the wax filter be changed? Every 4 to 8 weeks, at the latest when the device sounds quieter or more muffled.
Both devices have become quieter at the same time. What does that mean? A defect is unlikely then. Typical causes are clogged filters or tubes on both sides, or a change in hearing: so first clean or replace, then a hearing test.
Can I simply turn up the volume myself? Temporarily yes, but the underlying cause remains. First, work through the checklist; otherwise, an easy-to-fix problem will go undetected.
What about an In-the-Ear (ITE) device? For custom ITEs, you first check the wax filter; for ITEs with a dome, check both the filter and the dome. These are the same filters (mostly CeruStop) and domes as for RIC devices. The rest of the checklist (microphones, battery or rechargeable battery, program, hearing) applies equally.
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