Things to try when a radio system has crackling, poor connection, low volume or no connection, troubleshooting OPUS 2, Nucleus 6 and 7, and Sonnet audio processors.

Troubleshooting radio systems

A radio system consists of: 

  • a transmitter (Tx), worn by the person speaking
  • a receiver (Rx), worn by the listener

If there's crackling, poor connection, low volume or no connection in a radio system, try the following:

  • fully unwind the external aerial for good signal
  • position microphone a pen's length from the mouth, in a central position
  • connect the Tx to the Rx when on the hearing device by pressing the connect button on the Tx within 10cms of Rx
  • repeat this process for best signal 
  • check the battery of the Tx is charged 
  • check the batteries of the hearing device are not flat, give the Rx power
  • check all devices are switched on: the switch for the MicroMlxs must be on the two full dots setting
  • check paperwork from Sensory Support Service: for FM use, the number in the Tx screen must match the FM channel programmed in the Rx
  • check with the Teacher Of the Deaf that the Rx is on the correct setting for the device of children with cochlear implants
  • check the gold pins on the Rx are clean: they can be affected by debris and condensation and may look green at the base
  • try the system in different parts of the room or building for persistent interference: interference may be caused by metalwork, obstructions in rooms and other equipment 
  • try system reset by holding down all 4 corner buttons on the Tx: release and the system will reboot

For more advice, contact: 

  • the Teacher of the Deaf supporting the setting
  • the Audiology Technician

Troubleshooting audio processors

You can read troubleshooting guides for:

Contact us
Sensory Support Service
Elmfield House
Greystoke Avenue
Westbury-on-Trym
BS10 6AY

Phone: 0117 903 8442
Text: 07407 814 763
Email: sensorysupportservice@bristol.gov.uk