How to Check Your Hearing Aid

Checking your hearing aid daily is a good way to ensure that it is working correctly. There are several steps to checking a hearing aid, one requiring the help of a hearing person who can ascertain whether the sounds coming through the hearing aid are clear.

Things You'll Need

• Stethoscope

Instructions

1. Check the external parts of the hearing aid for any cracks, holes or tears.

2. Remove the battery and test it with a battery tester.

3. Make sure that the battery compartment closes completely when the battery is inserted.

4. Turn the O-T-M switch to the "off" position (O).

5. Turn the volume to the lowest setting and turn the switch to the "microphone" position (M).

6. Put one end of the stethoscope into the ears of a hearing person, and place the other end next to the hearing aid mold.

7. Turn the volume up slightly, and say several vowel and consonant sounds. The hearing person should listen and ascertain whether all of the sounds heard through the stethoscope are clear. None should be distorted.

Tips & Warnings

• If the sounds are muffled, you may need to clean or replace the hearing aid.

• If a hearing aid mold becomes wet, make sure it dries completely before reattaching it to the hearing aid.

References

• Daily Hearing Aid Worksheet