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 |
Course materials