Summary:

In essence, hearing aids are incredibly sophisticated, microcomputers that are prone by their very nature to some bumps and knocks along the way. We’ve put together this troubleshooting  guide to help solve a variety of simple issues quickly and easily.  This guide will take you through the steps of checking your hearing aid's battery, filter and tubing.

Step 1: Battery check

• Good batteries are necessary for consistent performance of your hearing aid.  You may hear a series of beeps warning that your battery is low.

• Check that the battery you are using is the correct size and type for your instrument.  There are many battery sizes available and it is easy to accidently insert the wrong battery into your hearing aid.

• Check the expiration date on your battery pack.  Outdated batteries can affect the performance of your hearing instrument.

• Different hearing environments affect battery life.  Complex hearing environments literally use more hearing aid computing power.  As a result, you may find the same battery type lasts varying lengths of time, depending on your hearing environment. This is normal.

How to use a battery tester:  Easy-to-use battery testers quickly determine if a battery is good. Hold the battery plus (+) side up against the testing sensor. A bar graph will display the strength of the battery.  
• From time to time, a brand new battery may be non or less-responsive.  The first step in home troubleshooting is to check the battery.  We recommend checking every battery before you insert one into your instrument to ensure good performance.  A simple, inexpensive battery tester is available and easy to use.

• Insert the new battery into the battery compartment with the plus (+) sign on the battery facing the same way as the plus (+) sign on the edge of the battery door.  This will ensure that the battery is seated properly and the door will close.  If the door is not properly closed, your hearing aid will not turn on.

• It may take several minutes for your battery to work to its full effect.

• We recommend that you leave your battery door open when the instrument is not in use.  This will help prolong the life of your batteries and your hearing instrument.

• Please dispose of your batteries carefully and appropriately.  If swallowed, they can be very harmful. It is best to keep them out of reach of children and pets.  We are happy to help properly dispose of your hearing aid batteries here at DigiCare.  Please feel free to bring them in on your next visit.

Step 2: Filter check

• Hearing instruments have filters that need regular maintenance for optimum performance.  Depending on the specific model, you may be able to clean and change the filter at home if you choose to.  If you are able to clean and change the filter at home, your DigiCare Counsellor will review the procedure with you.  As always, though, you are welcome to call or visit your DigiCare office if you have specific questions or needs.

Step 3: Tubing check

How to use a hearing aid air blower:  Remove earmold or tubing from your hearing aid.  Insert the tip of the blower into the tip of the earmold or the open end of the tube.  Squeeze the blower to expel moisture and earwax.  Repeat as needed.  Re-attach the earmold or tubing to the hearing aid.  

• Some types of hearing instruments have tubing that requires maintenance to ensure optimum performance.

• Tubing should be clear in color with no yellowing or discoloration.  It should also be smooth and pliable with no cracks or hardening.

• Check that your hearing instrument and any tubing are free of moisture, debris and any waxy, oily buildup. Wipe the surface with a clean dry cloth.  Your DigiCare Counsellor can show you how to use a simple, inexpensive blower to gently free debris from the tubing (see illustration).

Step 4: Call or visit your DigiCare office when you need help, repair or maintenance

On-site repair means close communication between you, your DigiCare Counsellor and the Technician working on your instrument

• In-the-ear styles of hearing instruments should be professionally serviced, checked and cleaned approximately every 3 to 6 months
• Behind-the-ear styles should be professionally serviced, checked and cleaned approximately every 6 to 12 month
• DigiCare offers prompt, expert repair for all-makes of hearing instruments at our Factory Direct Lab.  

Additionally, we are always here to help with:

• Whistling, feedback or buzzing
• Checking your ears for wax buildup
• If you are able to hear, but unable to understand
• If you hear no sound at all from your instrument

Please note: Never disassemble any part of your hearing instrument.  They are in essence micro-computers. 

Learn Even More:

• Do You Need Additional Help? Our Technicians provide expert, all-make repair services with prompt turn-around times.  You can read more about our repair services here.
• As always, if you have questions about at-home troubleshooting or any issues you may be experiencing, we're here to help.  Please call or email us.