FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I change the battery?
The battery door has a ridge and the battery has an indention, the indention sits on the
ridge. Try to close the battery door. If it does not close, DO NOT FORCE IT!!! Simply
check the battery to make sure orientation, size and placement are correct. When the
battery is correctly in place the door should close easily.
How do I know which battery is the right size for me?
Batteries come in a variety of sizes. Your audiologist will let you know which one
is appropriate for your hearing aid. Also, batteries are color-coded, therefore if
you know the color then you will end up with the correct batteries.
| SIZE " " " " " " " " |
5 10 312 13 675 |
Red Yellow Brown Orange Blue |
Where can I get batteries?
Hearing aid batteries can be purchased at our office. They can also be purchased at most
drug stores and pharmacies.
What are the tabs on the back of the battery for?
For zinc air batteries, they become active when exposed to air. Taking off the tab
activates the battery. DO NOT take off the tab until you are ready to use the battery.
(TIP: If you are concerned with the battery life, when you take off the tab, put it on
the calendar for today. The next time you insert a battery do the same thing. Over
the course of a month or two you will become accustomed to how long the batteries are
lasting for your hearing aid.)
Should I store my hearing aid batteries in the refrigerator with my other
batteries?
NO. Unlike alkaline batteries, putting them in the refrigerator will significantly
decrease battery life. Keep them in a dry place at approximately room temperature.
If my hearing aid stops working is there anything that I can do to fix it?
Yes, First change the battery. One of the biggest causes of hearing aid malfunction is a
dead battery. Without amplification, the hearing aid only serves as an expensive ear plug
and hinders listening.
Second, make sure the aid is clean and wax has not gotten into the hearing aid. This is also a substantial reason that the hearing aid is not working.
Third, If the hearing aid has a volume control or On/Off switch, make sure they are in the correct position (M on a Behind the ear hearing aid).
If you have tried all of the above, and it still is not working, bring the hearing aid into your audiologist. They may be able to fix the problem in the office; if not, the hearing aid will be shipped to the manufacturer for repair.
How do I adjust the volume of my hearing aid?
Some hearing aids have volume controls while others do not. When you are looking at your
hearing aid if you see a wheel on the hearing aid then you may adjust the volume. For
In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aids turning the volume toward your nose will make it louder and
toward the back of your heard will make it softer (these are instructions while the
hearing aid is in your ear). For Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids, the lower the number
the softer the volume and the higher the number the louder the volume will be. For
hearing aids that do not have a volume control-the internal components of your hearing aid
will automatically adjust the hearing aid for you. If you feel that you are not
receiving appropriate amplification, talk to your audiologist.
How do I insert the hearing aid?
The best thing is to practice putting the hearing aid into the ear. If needed, pull
back on the ear with the opposite hand, this will straighten the ear canal more to make
insertion easier. When you think the hearing aid/earmold is in, give an extra little
push, this may help to reduce feedback/whistling. The hearing aid/earmold should sit
flush in the ear. If you are wearing two in the ear hearing aids they are color coded Red
for Right and Blue for Left.
My hearing aid whistles quite a bit, is this normal?
It is normal for the hearing aid to feedback/whistle during insertion and removal.
Also, when anything gets too close to the hearing aid, such as a hand, the telephone or
someone giving you a hug, this is normal. If you are getting persistent feedback, make
sure the hearing aid/earmold is in the ear properly. If it is in the ear properly,
consult your audiologist. There could be build up of wax in the ear canal or the hearing aid, or some adjustments to the hearing aid may be necessary
How old do you have to be to get a hearing test?
There are a number of ways to test someone’s hearing other than pressing a button or
raising a hand to soft tones. Hearing tests can be done on newborns
and children of all ages. Please feel free to contact us about
your child specifically. Some tests can be done in the office and others may need to be
done at a hospital.
Will my insurance company pay for my hearing aids?
No. Most insurance companies do not cover hearing aids. They do however cover the hearing
test if done at an appropriate facility. But it never hurts to ask. Some plans have a fund
that you pay into that covers non-insured items.
How much do hearing aids cost?
Hearing aids range in price from $1500 each to $3200 each, depending on model, technology, warranty and services. All hearing aids come with at least a one year warranty which includes all in-office repairs and manufacturers' repairs.
How recent does my hearing test need to be?
The FDA requires a hearing test that is no older than 6 months prior to the date of the
hearing aid fitting.
All these choices, how do I know which is right for me?
If you are ready for hearing aids or just have a few questions, please call and schedule a
hearing aid evaluation with one of our audiologists. The audiologist will discuss the
different hearing aid models and technologies that would be appropriate for you. There is
no charge for this appointment. However, if a hearing aid is ordered, a non-refundable
deposit will be due. Hearing tests are not included in this evaluation. If you need a
current hearing test, please feel free to contact our office. Most insurance policies will
cover the cost of the hearing test. It would be advisable to contact your insurance
company regarding your coverage and referrals, if necessary.
Do I have to see a Doctor prior to getting my hearing aids?
It is recommended that you obtain a medical clearance from an Ear Nose and Throat
physician prior to the fitting of hearing aids. An Audiologist is not a medical doctor and
can not give medical advice. ENT’s look for anything that would be a contraindication
for the fitting of a hearing aid, such as active drainage from the ears, or other medical
complications that need immediate medical attention.
FOR BEHIND THE EAR (BTE) INSTRUMENTS
TURNING THE INSTRUMENT ON (the M-T-O switch)
1. M=Microphone - this tells you that the hearing aid is on. It should
be providing appropriate amplification at this point.
(You may also need to adjust the volume control)
2. T=Telephone - this setting is most appropriate for the telephone. When you turn to this setting, there will be a low-pitched hum. Just put the telephone to your ear and talk normally. This switch should eliminate any feedback that you are experiencing on the telephone. The "T" switch may also be appropriate for some Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs). Check with your audiologist to see if one would be appropriate for you.
3. O=Off -When the hearing aid is set to this position it is off and no longer providing amplification.
SYMPTOM |
CAUSE |
PROBLEM CURE |
Dead |
Battery dead |
Replace battery |
Blocked earmold |
Clean earmold |
|
Instrument defective |
Consult your audiologist |
|
Not Loud Enough |
Battery weak |
Replace battery |
Earmold plugged |
Clean earmold |
|
Your hearing needs have changed |
Consult you audiologist |
|
Intermittent |
Battery defective or weak |
Replace battery |
Technical problems |
Consult your audiologist |
|
Not Clear |
Battery low |
Replace battery |
Instrument defective |
Consult your audiologist |
|
Miscellaneous |
Battery Door is not closed completely |
Close battery door |
Aid is not switched on |
Switch aid on |
|
Volume is not adjusted properly |
Adjust volume |
|
Constant whistling |
Remove and insert aid again (if it still persists, contact your audiologist) |
