Hearing Aid Maintenance & Repair Flashcards

A patient reports that their BTE hearing aid sounds distorted after swimming. What is the most likely cause?

Answer: Moisture damage to the receiver or microphone

Exposure to water can cause moisture to enter the microphone or receiver, resulting in distorted sound output.

Which tool is specifically designed to remove earwax from a hearing aid sound bore without pushing debris deeper?

Answer: Wax pick or loop tool

A wax pick or loop tool is designed to hook and remove wax without forcing it further into the sound bore.

A receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid stops working after the patient pulls it out by the wire. What component is most likely damaged?

Answer: Receiver wire connection

Pulling the device by the thin receiver wire stresses the connection point and commonly causes wire breakage or disconnection.

What is the recommended frequency for replacing wax guards in a hearing aid with a receiver in the ear canal?

Answer: Every 1–3 months or when sound becomes weak

Wax guards should be replaced every 1–3 months, or sooner if the patient notices reduced sound output.

During a visual inspection, you notice green corrosion on the battery contacts of an ITE hearing aid. What should you do first?

Answer: Clean contacts with a dry cotton swab or contact cleaner

Green corrosion from battery leakage can be gently cleaned with a dry swab or appropriate contact cleaner before attempting further use.

A patient's CIC hearing aid produces a high-pitched squeal only when inserted. What is the most likely cause?

Answer: Feedback caused by poor fit or a cracked shell

Acoustic feedback occurs when amplified sound leaks back to the microphone, commonly due to a poor fit or a crack in the shell.

What is the purpose of placing a hearing aid in a desiccant (dry-aid) kit overnight?

Answer: To remove accumulated moisture and extend device lifespan

Desiccant kits absorb moisture that accumulates from perspiration and humidity, helping prevent corrosion and component damage.