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Tips ‘n’ Tricks

Many problems associated with hearing aids can be solved if proper direction is given.

What to do if your hearing aid is malfunctioning?

In-the-Ear Hearing Aids

1. Check the battery with a battery tester and replace it if necessary.
2. Check the receiver tube for wax. If wax is inside, pick it out with a wax loop. If wax continually plugs up the receiver tubing, please consult your physician for wax removal. Ear wax is a naturally occurring bodily substance. Wax is produced at a larger rate when one wears a hearing aid because of the increased temperature, humidity and bacterial presence. Wax is an ear's response to foreign bodies.
3. Wax guards: all modern hearing aids come with some sort of a wax guard system. This usually consists of a replaceable end piece which is removed and replaced when it is full of wax. This wax guard is located at the base of the hearing aid or the end of the hearing aid which goes furthest into the ear canal. Every manufacturer of hearing aids has their own name for the specific wax guard used in each product. Make sure to ask your hearing professional the name and specific use of each wax guard. These wax guards should be replaced when required usually once or twice a month depending on the amount of earwax in the ear canal. They are designed to keep wax from going into the receiver tubing in the hearing aid. When the wax guard is full of wax the hearing aid will not function. These same wax guards are usually used with many RIC (receiver in canal) hearing devices as well.

Note: If the wax is far inside the receiver tube, do not attempt to remove it as the receiver can be easily damaged. Bring your hearing aid to your hearing aid professional.

Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids

1. Check the battery with a battery tester and replace it if necessary.
2. Check the earmold opening for blockage. If there is a blockage (usually wax or moisture), use a wax loop or earmold air blower to clear the passage.
3. Check the earmold tubing for cracks. A crack in the tube usually occurs at the bend of the tube. When a tube is cracked, you will constantly hear a whistle. The tube would then have to be replaced.

Note: When the tube gets very hard, it is time for it to be replaced as it will soon crack.

How to make your own DRI-AID Kit

Moisture is one of the major factors for hearing aid breakdowns. In order to prolong the life of your hearing aid, a Dri-Aid kit must be used on a daily basis. A Dri-Aid kit may be purchased which consists of a glass jar with silica gel beads that are extremely moisture absorbent and reusable or one can be made as follows:

1. Get a glass jar with a tight lid. You may use a zip-lock bag but a glass jar is best.
2. Fill the jar half way with dry white rice.
3. Place the hearing aid in the jar. Be sure not to put in the battery as it will be drained.
4. Close the lid tightly and leave it overnight.

Note: The rice would need to be replaced on a regular basis.