HAC Hearing Aid Maintenance & Repair 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient reports that their BTE hearing aid sounds distorted after swimming. What is the most likely cause?
- Dead battery
- Moisture damage to the receiver or microphone (Correct answer)
- Clogged earmold vent
- Loose battery door
Correct 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.
Question 2: Which tool is specifically designed to remove earwax from a hearing aid sound bore without pushing debris deeper?
- Pipe cleaner
- Wax pick or loop tool (Correct answer)
- Cotton swab
- Compressed air can
Correct 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.
Question 3: A receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid stops working after the patient pulls it out by the wire. What component is most likely damaged?
- Microphone
- Battery contact
- Receiver wire connection (Correct answer)
- Volume control
Correct answer: Receiver wire connection
Pulling the device by the thin receiver wire stresses the connection point and commonly causes wire breakage or disconnection.
Question 4: What is the recommended frequency for replacing wax guards in a hearing aid with a receiver in the ear canal?
- Every 5 years
- Every 1–3 months or when sound becomes weak (Correct answer)
- Once a week
- Only when the device stops working
Correct 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.
Question 5: During a visual inspection, you notice green corrosion on the battery contacts of an ITE hearing aid. What should you do first?
- Replace the entire hearing aid
- Clean contacts with a dry cotton swab or contact cleaner (Correct answer)
- Insert a new battery immediately
- Send the device to the manufacturer
Correct 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.
Question 6: A patient's CIC hearing aid produces a high-pitched squeal only when inserted. What is the most likely cause?
- Feedback caused by poor fit or a cracked shell (Correct answer)
- Dead battery
- Clogged microphone port
- Defective volume control
Correct 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.
Question 7: What is the purpose of placing a hearing aid in a desiccant (dry-aid) kit overnight?
- To recharge the battery
- To remove accumulated moisture and extend device lifespan (Correct answer)
- To reset the programming
- To sterilize the earmold
Correct 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.
HAC Hearing Aid Maintenance & Repair 2
A patient reports that their BTE hearing aid sounds distorted after swimming.
What is the most likely cause?