When users of hearing aids find that their devices are either not producing sound or producing abnormal sounds, the initial reaction is often to assume that the hearing aid is broken.

However, many of these "issues" causing the hearing aid to "not produce sound or produce abnormal sounds" are often minor and do not require sending the hearing aid to the manufacturer for maintenance.

Do you know what these "minor issues" are? When facing these problems, how should we "address them"?

The sound is very faint, even when the volume is turned up

Method 1: Check the battery

With an average lifespan of 7-15 days when used for 8 hours a day, prolonged use can result in a weak output sound. In such cases, consider replacing the hearing aid battery.

Note: When peeling off the paper from a new battery, adhesive residue may affect contact. In this case, gently scrape the battery surface with a fingernail, and wait 2-3 seconds before inserting it into the battery compartment.

Method 2: Check the earwax guard (for custom devices)

The earwax guard in custom devices is prone to earwax blockage, hindering the sound output.

If no abnormality is found after removing the earwax guard, it indicates that the blockage is the cause of the problem.

Regular care is crucial for moisture and earwax prevention, as earwax blockage significantly increases the repair rate of hearing aids.

Method 3: Check the damper (for behind-the-ear devices)

The damper, located in the hook of behind-the-ear hearing aids, smoothens resonance peaks for a softer sound quality.

Blockage by earwax and oily secretions can impede the damper, causing sound obstruction.

If the hearing aid produces sound without issues after removing the hook, normal usage can be restored by replacing the hook.

The sound is intermittent and sometimes strange, then returns to normal

Method 1: Check the battery

Battery lifespan not only affects the volume but also influences sound quality.

Low battery levels result in unbalanced energy supply, causing intermittent volume output.

Regularly replacing batteries and avoiding the use of old batteries is essential for maintaining hearing aids.

Method 2: Check the maximum output in the tuning software

For hearing aids that use "peak clipping" for output limitation, reducing the maximum output value indiscriminately leads to excessive peak clipping and noticeable distortion.

This makes it difficult for users to hear louder sounds or experience a "sometimes hearing, sometimes not hearing" sensation.

Hearing aid produces feedback (whistling sound)

Method 1: Check the ear mold

For users with significant hearing loss, audiologists often customize ear molds to enhance the seal of the hearing aid.

However, an improperly fitted ear mold may result in sound leakage from the gap between the ear canal and the ear mold, causing feedback.

In this case, wearing the ear mold and hearing aid snugly on the user's ear, or tightly sealing the ear mold with a finger, can help identify the source of feedback.

Method 2: Check the hook (for behind-the-ear devices)

Most hooks on the market are made of plastic and may break at the junction with the hearing aid body after prolonged use, causing sound leakage and feedback.

Replacing the hook and fitting the hearing aid for the user can help identify if the feedback originates from the hook.

Method 3: Check the vent

Vents are commonly used to improve the comfort of hearing aid users and alleviate the occlusion effect.

However, if the vent size does not match the user's degree of hearing loss, excessive sound leakage may result in feedback.

Audiologists should correctly assess whether users need a vent and the appropriate size based on their hearing loss to prevent feedback due to an unsuitable vent.

Method 4: Check the microphone or receiver

After eliminating external causes of feedback, if the hearing aid still produces feedback, the issue likely stems from the internal components.

Feedback from the microphone: Cover the hearing aid's input port with a finger; if the hearing aid continues to produce feedback, the issue is likely from the microphone.

Feedback from the receiver: Cover the hearing aid's output port with a finger; if the hearing aid continues to produce feedback, the issue is likely from the receiver.

Issues of internal feedback due to microphone or receiver detachment should be addressed by returning the hearing aid to the manufacturer.

Method 5: Check high-frequency gain

For users with severe high-frequency hearing loss, audiologists often increase high-frequency gain to compensate for the loss.

However, excessive high-frequency gain can result in the receiver emitting too much sound energy, causing the microphone to pick up the receiver's sound, creating a feedback loop.

For users with severe high-frequency hearing loss, audiologists may consider using more powerful hearing aids or activating the "frequency shift" function.

For more information and a range of hearing aid options, visit Chosgo Hearing. Explore our collection, including the specific product, SmartU Rechargeable Hearing Aids, and our broader selection of Chosgo hearing aids, with a focus on cic rechargeable hearing aids.