TROUBLE SHOOTING YOUR HEARING AID

Now that you have purchased your hearing aids you will enjoy hearing all the sounds of life again. Proper care and maintenance will ensure that you continue to hear all the sounds that you have been missing and will reduce the need for repairs. You should have received an Owner’s Manual that is written for your specific hearing aid instrument. It should provide clear information about the use and care of your instrument.

Trouble Shooting Guide

The hearing aid is dead. (No sound)

1. Make sure the hearing aid is switched to the on position (M on many instruments).
2. If there is a volume control, make sure it is turned loud enough for you to hear.
3. Check the battery – Is the battery working? Is the battery placed with the correct side facing up (usually “+” sign)? Is the battery door firmly closed?
4. Check the receiver opening and any vent openings and make sure they are not blocked with wax or other debris.
5. Check to see if tubing is still connecting the earmold to the earhook (BTE hearing aid), make sure the tubing is not bent or twisted, or separated from the earmold itself.
6. Clean the microphone port, which is usually near the battery door. Use your brush for this.

The hearing aid sound is weak or you get a crackling or frying sound (Low power)

1. Clean the microphone. Debris in the microphone often causes crackling and frying sounds.
2. Check the battery, a weak battery can sometimes cause these symptoms.
3. If you have a volume control, make sure it is adjusted to the correct setting.
4. Check to be sure the right hearing aid (earmold) is placed in the right ear canal and the left hearing aid (earmold) is placed in the left ear canal. See your audiologist if tubing has separated from the earmold.

The hearing aid sound is distorted or intermittent (funny sound)

1. Check the tubing for water bubbles. If present, remove with blower or gentle shaking.

2. Check tubing for cracks or holes. If present, contact your audiologist.

3. Replace the battery because it may be weak or defective.

4. If there are cords connected to your hearing aid or assistive listening device, check for cracks and replace cord with new one.

The hearing aid squeals or whistles (Feedback)

1. Check the volume on the hearing aid; it may be set too high.
2. Instrument may not be seated snuggly into your ear.
3. Make sure the microphone on the hearing aid is not being covered by an object such as a hat, scarf, or coat collar.
4. Have your doctor look at your ears and check for excessive wax buildup. This may prevent the sound from traveling down your ear canal. Do not attempt to remove the wax yourself.

When do I call my audiologist?

If the above suggestions do not work, call your audiologist for an appointment.