Once you have determined that the aid does not work with a new battery, you should then check the opening of the ear mold. It may be plugged with EARWAX. If it is plugged, use a small wire to clean it out. If you have an in-the-ear hearing aid, you should use the specially designed cleaning tool that was supplied when you first received your aid. Be careful not to push the wax in deeper. A plugged ear mold is one of the most common problems hearing aid users experience.

 

      If your ear mold is not plugged with wax, and if you wear a behind-the-ear hearing aid, then you should check the clear plastic tubing which leads from the hearing aid to the ear mold. Make sure that the tubing is not TWISTED. If it is twisted, then the amplified sound cannot travel through the tube and then into your ear. You should also check to see if any MOISTURE has collected in the clear plastic tubing which leads from the hearing aid to the ear mold on a behind-the-ear aid. The moisture develops from condensation and is more of a problem during the hot and humid months. If you look very carefully, you may be able to see a small ring of water in the tube that is blocking the sound. If you see a few beads of water, you probably won't have to do anything. They will usually evaporate when you are not wearing the aid. But if the tube is completely blocked, you may detach the tube from where it attaches to the aid and then blow the water out. You may notice static in the aid when moisture builds up within the aid. We have a Hearing Aid Saver available that removes moisture trapped inside the aid. It is simply a container with special crystals inside which absorb moisture. Many of our patients have found this product helpful.  We also offer the electronic Dry & Store unit that not only dries the hearing aids, but also disinfects them with an ultraviolet light.