HAC Hearing Aid Maintenance & Repair 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is the correct way to clean a silicone earmold?
- Soak in alcohol overnight
- Wash with mild soap and warm water, then dry completely before reattaching (Correct answer)
- Wipe with a bleach solution
- Place in an ultrasonic cleaner while still attached to the hearing aid
Correct answer: Wash with mild soap and warm water, then dry completely before reattaching
Silicone earmolds should be washed with mild soap and warm water and must be completely dry before reattaching to the hearing aid to prevent moisture damage.
Question 2: A patient returns with a BTE hearing aid that has a cracked earhook. What is the most appropriate action?
- Seal the crack with superglue
- Replace the earhook with an identical size and style (Correct answer)
- Continue use until the hook breaks completely
- Reprogram the hearing aid
Correct answer: Replace the earhook with an identical size and style
A cracked earhook can cause acoustic leakage and feedback; it should be replaced with the correct size to restore proper function.
Question 3: When storing a hearing aid for an extended period, what is the recommended battery procedure?
- Leave a fresh battery installed to maintain memory
- Remove the battery and leave the battery door open (Correct answer)
- Insert a fully charged rechargeable cell
- Tape the battery door shut
Correct answer: Remove the battery and leave the battery door open
Removing the battery and leaving the door open prevents battery leakage and allows residual moisture to escape during storage.
Question 4: A patient notices their hearing aid volume fluctuates intermittently. Which maintenance issue is most likely responsible?
- Incorrect earmold fitting
- Corroded or loose battery contacts (Correct answer)
- Blocked vent
- Scratched faceplate
Correct answer: Corroded or loose battery contacts
Intermittent volume fluctuation is a classic sign of poor electrical contact due to corroded or improperly seated battery contacts.
Question 5: What does a blocked microphone port on a hearing aid most commonly cause?
- Battery drain
- Reduced sensitivity and distorted or muffled sound (Correct answer)
- Increased feedback
- Automatic program switching
Correct answer: Reduced sensitivity and distorted or muffled sound
A blocked microphone port prevents sound from reaching the transducer, resulting in reduced sensitivity and muffled or distorted audio.
Question 6: Which of the following is a contraindication for using an ultrasonic cleaner on hearing aid components?
- Hard acrylic earmolds
- Tubing that needs degassing
- Any component containing electronics (Correct answer)
- Silicone earmolds
Correct answer: Any component containing electronics
Ultrasonic cleaners can destroy electronic components; only non-electronic parts such as earmolds and tubing should be placed in them.
Question 7: A patient complains that their hearing aid tubing has become stiff and discolored. What should be done?
- Apply a lubricant to soften the tubing
- Replace the tubing, as it degrades over time and affects sound quality (Correct answer)
- Boil the tubing to restore flexibility
- Adjust the hearing aid gain to compensate
Correct answer: Replace the tubing, as it degrades over time and affects sound quality
Hearing aid tubing hardens and yellows with age, which reduces acoustic performance; replacement is recommended every 3–6 months.
HAC Hearing Aid Maintenance & Repair 3
Which of the following is the correct way to clean a silicone earmold?