Occasionally a hearing instrument will malfunction. There are many reasons that this may happen. Below you will find a few of the most commonly reported difficulties encountered with hearing instruments, the possible cause, and the solution. Of course, the best solution is regular maintenance by visiting the Audiologists at Sound Hearing Clinic. We recommend that every client return every 6 months for cleaning of their hearing instrument(s).
Problem Possible Cause Solution ____________________________________________________________________
Not hearing battery inserted incorrectly check battery or try new one
battery wrong size insert correct battery size
battery dead new battery
telecoil switch on turn telecoil to off position
receiver opening plugged clean wax from receiver
hearing aid off turn hearing aid on
volume too low adjust volume
ear canal plugged with earwax check for earwax & remove
Feedback (whistles) poor fit of aid remake shell or earmold
hearing aid turned too loud reduce volume
inserted into ear improperly insert correctly
object to close to mic remove object from near mic
Fading or weak check for wax buildup at receiver clean wax from receiver
weak battery replace battery
improper electronic function repair by manufacturer
Buzzing or humming weak battery change battery and replace
telecoil may be active change position of telecoil
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Behind the ear hearing aids (check above and as follows)
Hearing aid dead earmold plugged with wax clean earmold opening
earmold tubing twisted correct position of earmold
Feedback earmold inserted improperly insert earmold correctly
cracked or broken tubing replace earmold tubing
volume too high decrease volume