Hearing Aid Troubleshooting Amy Mellonig Nancy Lucas Kim Smith

Listening Check Listen for: No output Muffled sound Feedback Distortion Intermittent sound Without earmold With earmold

Listening Check Turn the hearing aid on and speak while turning the volume control wheel slowly up and down Use of the sounds /a/, /u/, /e/, /sh/, and /s/ are a good measure of the frequency response of the hearing aid The hearing aid should be squeezed while do the listening check to check for intermittent sound

No Output

Battery- Replace battery Check battery with battery tester

No Output Make sure that positive and negative terminal of battery are in proper position in the battery compartment

No Output Make sure you have the correct type of battery for the aid.

No Output Check for corrosion on battery compartment. This can be removed with a pencil eraser.

No Output Check external switches- Check to see that external switch is not set to “telecoil” or “off” position.

No Output Earmolds- Check to see that earmold is not impacted with wax. The earmold may be washed with warm soapy water. Be sure that earmold is completely dry before putting it back in the ear.

No Output Tubing- Make sure that tubing is not collapsed or clogged.

No Output Moisture- Check for moisture If the hearing aid is wet, place aid in dry aid container

Review-No output

Test or replace battery Make sure battery is inserted correctly Make sure correct type of battery is being used Check for corrosion on battery contact Correct setting on external switches Check to see that ear wax is not impacted on the opening of the earmold Make sure tubing is not collapsed or clogged Check for moisture If the problem is unresolved, consult an audiologist

Hearing aid weak

Weak/Muffled Sound Nearly exhausted battery Battery that registers 1.0 volts or less should be discarded If battery leakage occurs, discard battery properly

Muffled/Weak Sound Check for dirty or clogged microphone screen

Muffled/Weak Sound Earmold almost completely clogged with wax

Review-muffled/weak sound

Review Muffled/Weak Sound Check for nearly exhausted battery Discard battery if leakage occurs Microphone opening dirty or clogged Earmold almost completely clogged with wax If internal defects are suspected, consult audiologist

Feedback

Volume control setting is too high

Feedback Improper fitting of earmold

Feedback Crack in tubing

Feedback With the volume control set at normal setting, put finger over earmold opening and listen for feedback. If no feedback occurs, then feedback is due to volume control or improper fitting of the earmold. If feedback still occurs...

Feedback Remove earmold, and place finger over earhook. If feedback does not occur, then the problem is in the earmold or tubing. If feedback still occurs..

Feedback Remove earhook, and place finger over opening of the aid. If feedback does not occur, then the problem was in the earhook. If feedback still occurs, it is “internal feedback” and consult an audiologist.

Review-feedback

Review Feedback Check volume control setting Improper fitting of earmold Crack in tubing Check for feedback in earmold/tubing Check for feedback in earhook Check for internal feedback If internal feedback is suspected, consult an audiologist

Distortion

Distortion can be characterized as sounding scratchy, having static, weak volume or a “motorboating” effect.

Distortion Check for corrosion on battery contacts and terminals Clean contacts with battery contact cleaner (follow instructions carefully)

Distortion Defective volume control Change battery Check for moisture

Distortion Check for covered or clogged microphone opening

Distortion Excessive wax in ear in student’s ear

Distortion Earmold needs venting

Review-Distortion

Review Distortion Check for corrosion on battery terminal Change battery Check microphone opening if it is covered or clogged Excessive wax in child’s ear Earmold needs venting Moisture in hearing aid Defective volume control If problem is unresolved, consult an audiologist

Intermittent

Intermittent Sound May be characterized by scratchy sound or hearing aid sounding like it is going on and off

Intermittent Sound Corrosion on battery contacts and battery terminal

Intermittent Sound If tubing collapses, sound may cut off

Intermittent Sound Make sure that the battery is correctly seated and snug in battery compartment

Intermittent Sound Possible defective volume control Possible internal problems

Review-Intermittent

Review- Intermittent Sound Check for corrosion on battery contacts and terminals Make sure battery is correctly seated and snug in battery compartment Make sure tubing does not collapse or bend when head is turned Defective volume control If internal problems are suspected, consult an audiologist

Routine Care of Hearing Aid

Routine care Avoid high temperatures- Don’t leave hearing aid on the radiator or in the direct sunlight, or any other equipment that generates heat. Heat can damage the hearing aid amplifier and can cause batteries to deteriorate.

Routine care Avoid Moisture- Keep hearing aid dry. Even perspiration can cause damage. If the child has trouble with excessive perspiration, you can purchase a dry aid kit. Place the aid in the kit overnight and it should be dry in the morning.

Routine care Battery Care- Keep several spare batteries handy in case battery goes dead. Store batteries in a cool dry place. Remove batteries from the aid at night to prolong battery life. Keep battery contacts bright and clean. Poor contacts can contribute to loss of power and may result in a “frying” sound in the hearing aid. Discard dead batteries properly

Routine care About the earmold- Keep the earmold clean. If the opening becomes clogged with wax, clean it gently. Do not use alcohol to clean the earmold. Earmold should be cleaned occasionally with soap and water. Be sure earmold is dry before you put it back on the child.

Routine care Protect the aid from hard knocks- The hearing aid is a delicate mechanism. Avoid dropping it or bumping it against hard object.

Routine care Removing the aid- Get into the habit of turning the switch to the “OFF” position before you remove the aid. When the switch is in the “ON” position, that battery is discharging whether the child is wearing the hearing aid or not. If the aid doesn’t have an “OFF” switch, open the battery compartment so that the battery is not touching the battery contacts.

Routine care Repairs-Do not attempt to repair the hearing aid. If the aid is not functioning properly, ask the audiologist, or hearing aid dealer’s assistance. Many times a loaner aid can be supplied by a hearing aid dispenser while the aid is being repaired. When in doubt ask a friendly audiologist!

The End