ABA Preventive Maintenance Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which environmental condition poses the greatest risk of corrosion to hearing aid battery contacts?
- Low ambient temperature
- High humidity combined with salt from perspiration (Correct answer)
- Exposure to low-frequency sound
- Infrequent battery replacement
Correct answer: High humidity combined with salt from perspiration
Salt in perspiration combined with humidity accelerates electrochemical corrosion on battery contacts, degrading conductivity.
Question 2: A patient with a behind-the-ear hearing aid complains of reduced volume that fluctuates with head movement. Which maintenance check is most indicated?
- Earmold reimpression
- Inspection of the battery contacts for oxidation or poor connection (Correct answer)
- Reprogramming of gain settings
- Replacement of the microphone
Correct answer: Inspection of the battery contacts for oxidation or poor connection
Fluctuating volume related to movement strongly suggests a loose or corroded battery contact causing intermittent electrical connection.
Question 3: What is the correct way to store hearing aids overnight to maximize longevity according to preventive maintenance best practices?
- Submerged in distilled water
- In a dry storage case or electronic dehumidifier with the battery door open (Correct answer)
- Sealed in a zip-lock bag with the battery in place
- In the refrigerator to slow chemical degradation
Correct answer: In a dry storage case or electronic dehumidifier with the battery door open
Overnight desiccant storage with the battery door open allows moisture to escape and prevents battery compartment corrosion.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes the function of a wax guard (cerumen filter) in custom in-the-ear hearing aids?
- It amplifies high-frequency signals
- It protects the receiver from cerumen ingress, preventing blockage and damage (Correct answer)
- It provides acoustic feedback cancellation
- It regulates battery current draw
Correct answer: It protects the receiver from cerumen ingress, preventing blockage and damage
Wax guards act as a physical barrier between the ear canal environment and the receiver, extending device lifespan.
Question 5: When should an audiologist recommend earmold replacement rather than continued cleaning and maintenance?
- After exactly 12 months regardless of condition
- When the earmold shows significant shrinkage, cracking, discoloration, or persistent feedback despite proper fit verification (Correct answer)
- Only when the patient requests it
- When the hearing aid is 5 years old
Correct answer: When the earmold shows significant shrinkage, cracking, discoloration, or persistent feedback despite proper fit verification
Physical degradation signs such as shrinkage, cracking, or persistent acoustic feedback indicate the earmold can no longer provide an adequate seal.
Question 6: A patient's in-the-ear hearing aid has a clogged microphone port. What is the appropriate first maintenance step?
- Replace the microphone immediately
- Use a soft brush or microphone cover replacement tool to clear or replace the microphone filter (Correct answer)
- Blow forcefully into the microphone port
- Immerse the device in cleaning solution
Correct answer: Use a soft brush or microphone cover replacement tool to clear or replace the microphone filter
Microphone ports often have replaceable mesh covers; gentle brushing or filter replacement restores microphone function without damage.
Question 7: During electroacoustic analysis as part of preventive maintenance, a hearing aid shows significant output reduction compared to its original manufacturer specifications. What is the most appropriate next step?
- Immediately reprogram the hearing aid to increase gain
- Document the discrepancy, check for physical causes (cerumen, damage), and consider manufacturer repair or replacement if no correctable cause is found (Correct answer)
- Reassure the patient that output decline is normal
- Discontinue use of the hearing aid
Correct answer: Document the discrepancy, check for physical causes (cerumen, damage), and consider manufacturer repair or replacement if no correctable cause is found
Output deviations beyond acceptable tolerances require investigation of physical causes before adjustment; unresolvable deviations warrant repair or replacement.
ABA Preventive Maintenance Procedures 3
Which environmental condition poses the greatest risk of corrosion to hearing aid battery contacts?