How to Fix Hearing Aids: troubleshooting common problems
Post on 22nd May 2026
Hearing aids are a brilliant piece of technology, but like any device, they can occasionally play up. Before booking a repair or assuming the worst, it’s worth working through a few simple checks. Many of the most common hearing aid problems come down to one thing: the battery.
Understanding how long hearing aid batteries last and how to get the most from them can save you a lot of unnecessary frustration. At Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care, we have over 85 years of experience supporting people’s hearing health. Here’s a practical guide to diagnosing and fixing the most common hearing aid issues – starting with batteries.
Is your battery the problem?
Battery failure is the most frequent cause of hearing aid problems. Watch out for:
- Sound becoming quieter or distorted, even at your usual volume setting
- Your hearing aid cutting in and out
- A low battery beep or alert (most hearing aids will notify you before power runs out completely)
- Increased feedback or whistling
If you’re experiencing any of these, change your battery first before investigating further. A completely flat battery can swell inside the compartment and become difficult to remove, so don’t leave it too long once you notice the signs.
How long do hearing aid batteries last
This is one of the questions we’re asked most often, and the honest answer is: it depends. Most hearing aids use disposable zinc-air batteries, which come in four sizes: 10 (yellow), 312 (brown), 13 (orange) and 675 (blue). Lifespan ranges from as few as three days for the smallest and up to around 20 days for the largest.
Several factors affect how long hearing aid batteries last in practice, including your level of hearing loss, how many hours a day you wear your aids and whether you use features like Bluetooth streaming. If your batteries are draining faster than expected, one of the tips below is likely to help.
Troubleshooting: getting more from your batteries
- Try the 5-minute rule
If your hearing aid seems underpowered straight after a battery change, you may be inserting the battery too quickly. When you peel the sticky tab off a new zinc-air battery, wait around five minutes before inserting it. Zinc-air batteries are activated by exposure to air and that brief pause allows full activation, improving performance and longevity from the outset.
- Check your on/off habits
Are you switching your hearing aids off when you’re not wearing them? It sounds obvious, but it makes a real difference to how long hearing aid batteries last. Leaving aids switched on when not in use drains power unnecessarily.
- Open the battery door overnight
When you take your hearing aids out at night, open the battery compartment door. This reduces unnecessary drain and, crucially, allows moisture that has built up during the day to evaporate. Moisture is one of the most common causes of reduced battery performance and hearing aid malfunction.
- Check how you’re storing spare batteries
Spare batteries need to be stored correctly to maintain optimum performance. Keep spares somewhere cool, dry and at room temperature – not in the fridge and away from direct sunlight. Never carry loose batteries alongside coins, keys or other metal objects, as contact can cause short circuits and accidental discharge. Always use the original packaging or a dedicated battery case.
- Handle batteries carefully
Grease, dirt and moisture from your fingers can clog the tiny air pores on zinc-air batteries, reducing efficiency. Wash your hands before changing batteries. It’s a small step that can make a noticeable difference to performance.
Is a rechargeable hearing aid the answer?
If you’re finding battery management consistently problematic – particularly if limited dexterity makes handling small batteries difficult – it may be worth considering rechargeable hearing aids. Rather than replacing disposable batteries every few days, you simply place your hearing aids in their charging case overnight, much like charging a smartphone or ear pods.
The benefits include greater convenience, cost savings over time, fewer disposable batteries going to landfill and reliable all-day power from a single overnight charge. If you’d like to explore whether rechargeable hearing aids are right for you, your local Scrivens Hearing Aid Audiologist would be happy to talk you through the options.
Disposing of used batteries safely
Hearing aid batteries should never go into general household waste. As button batteries, they can pose a fire risk in waste facilities and are harmful to the environment. Many Scrivens branches accept used hearing aid batteries for safe recycling, just ask your local team. You can also find battery recycling points at many supermarkets and pharmacies.
Still having problems?
If you’ve worked through these checks and your hearing aid still isn’t performing as it should, it may need professional attention. You’ll find further advice and support on our website, or visit your local Scrivens branch where our team will be happy to help.
If you found this article useful, you may also be interested in reading about how to discuss hearing loss with your loved ones.