Preferred Hearing Solutions

The hearing aid user can avoid unnecessary trips to his hearing aid dispenser by trouble-shooting the hearing aid or the problem himself. Read the instruction booklet which came with your hearing aid. Contact Preferred Hearing Aid Center for more assistance if you cannot solve the problem yourself. To reduce the number of the problems, arrange for regular hearing aid check-ups and cleanings with your dispenser. The following is a list of the most common problems and potential solutions associated with hearing instruments:

• Dead – Hearing aid is not working at all

1. Check to see that the hearing aid is turned on, or if it has a 3-postion switch that it is in the "M" position and not "T" for telephone or "O" for off.
2. Check to see the the volume control is set in the proper position and not turned all the way down.
3. Check the hearing aid battery with a battery tester and replace as necessary.
4. Verify that the battery is the correct size for the hearing aid.
5. Check for proper installation of the battery, i.e. not upside down.
6. Make sure that the clear or white tube at the tip of the hearing aid is clear and not clogged with wax or flakes of skin.  If it is, use the brush and/or wire tool provided with the hearing aid to pick the wax or flakes of skin out. This tube should be checked for obstruction routinely.
7. For BTE's, check tubing for twists and/or obstruction
8. If the hearing aid uses a cord to carry the signal (cross or body type hearing aid), make sure it is not broken, the connectors are clean, and that it is properly connected.

• Weak – The hearing aid is weaker than normal or when it was new.

1. Check & clean the receiver tube or mold opening (see #6 under "dead"). Should be performed routinely.
2. Check the hearing aid battery with a battery tester and replace as necessary.
3. In humid weather, remove the instrument from the ear for about 15 to 30 minutes to allow it to dry out.
4. In terribly cold weather, allow the instrument to heat up to room temperature.

• Distorted

1. Check & clean the receiver tube or mold opening (see #6 under "dead"). Should be performed routinely.
2. Check the hearing aid battery with a battery tester and replace as necessary.
3. Cycle the volume control from maximum to minimum several times

• Whistling -- see also "What Is Acoustic Feedback (Whistle) and Why?"

1. Have someone check your ear for excess ear wax, and if present, have a doctor remove it.
2. Make certain your hearing aid is properly inserted in your ear.
3. Reduce the volume, even if lower than normal, as a temporary solution.
4. Remove any object, hat, or item of clothing that may be reflecting the sound from the hearing aid back into the microphone.
5. Finally, see your hearing instrument specialist at Preferred Hearing Solutions to insure there is no excessive wax in your ear and that the hearing aid properly fits your ear.

• Incompatible with the telephone

1. Make certain you are properly holding the telephone receiver to your ear.
2. Make certain your hearing aid is properly inserted in your ear.
3. If your instrument has a tele-coil (T-coil), check to see that the switch is properly set to the "T" position.
4. Check to see that the telephone is "hearing aid compatible"
5. Invest in a special pad for your telephone handset, available from your hearing health care professional.
6. Invest in a speakerphone, available from Preferred Hearing Solutions.

If you continue to have problems, call a hearing instrument specialist at Preferred Hearing Solutions for an appointment to help you.

For more information about troubleshooting your hearing aid, call Preferred Hearing Solutions @ 951-652-9655, 951-303-8886 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it