These materials are from the archive of the SSC Website and may be outdated.

 

University of Edinburgh
 

Audiology Refresher

Presented in February, 2002

Troubleshooting Hearing Aids

Spares/testing kit for teachers of the deaf

All teachers of the deaf need a kit of this nature which should include the following:

  • stetoclip with attenuator and adapting lead to test personal FM systems
  • spare leads (body-worn and FM systems) and spare phones (post aurals)
  • spare elbows (post aural aids)
  • neckloops, where appropriate
  • battery testers
  • batter charger(s)
  • spare batteries and receivers
  • spare microphones
  • spare modules or oscillators (personal FM systems)
  • spare aerials (some personal FM systems)
  • earmould puffer
  • spare tubing and cement
  • cleansing swabs
  • screwdrivers
  • wax pick and brush
  • pointed pliers
  • scissors
  • tubing expander and threader
  • spray or cleaning fluid for aids and moulds.

 

Post-aural hearing aids

Fault finding chart

FAULT POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY
No output from aid 1. Aid switched off Switch it on
  2. Volume turned down Turn aid to user volume
  3. Battery flat Replace battery
  4. Battery inserted wrong way Reverse battery
  5. Switch faulty Return for repair
  6. Electronic fault Return for repair
  7. Battery connections faulty Return for repair
  8. Mould blocked with wax Clear mould and wash
  9. Tone hook blocked Unblock hook
  10. Tubing flat, twisted or kinked Replace tubing
Aid making sound of motor boat Battery almost exhausted

Replace battery

Aid making sound of rushing air 1. Aid switched to 'T' position

Switch to 'M' position

  2. Microphone damaged Return for repair
Low output/distorted sound 1. Mould partially blocked Unblock mould and wash
  2. Battery almost exhausted Replace battery
  3. Tubing flat, twisted or kinked Replace tubing
  4. Electronic fault Return for repair
  5. Moisture in tubing Puff out tubing
Aid works intermittently No instant solution Return for repair
Aid rattles when shaken Internals loose Rerutn for repair
Aid whistles when worn 1. Ear mould bad fit New mould required
  2. Ear mould inserted incorrectly Re-insert mould
  3. Wearer's hair in the ear mould Remove hair and re-insert
  4. Volume too high Reset to user volume
  5. High necked garment pushing mould at off position Adjust garment
  6. Sound hook not fully screwed on Screw hook back on
  7. Hole or split in plastic tubing Replace Tubing
  8. Case of aid cracked or parting at seams Return for repair
  9. Tread on tone hook worn Return for repair
  10. Hook split Replace hook