When users of CIC hearing aids encounter issues such as no sound or abnormal sound, their immediate concern is often that the hearing aid is malfunctioning.

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

Do you know what these "minor issues" are? How should we "address the problem" when facing these issues?

The sound is very faint, and increasing the volume doesn't help.

Method 1: Check the battery. Considering an average daily usage of 8 hours, the battery lifespan is generally 7-15 days. Extended usage may lead to a weak output volume, and replacing the hearing aid battery is recommended.

Note: When peeling off the paper from a new battery, adhesive residue may affect contact. Use your fingernail to lightly scrape the battery surface and wait 2-3 seconds before inserting it into the battery compartment.

Method 2: Check the earwax guard (for custom devices). Earwax guards in custom devices are prone to earwax blockage, hindering sound output. Regular care is crucial for moisture and earwax prevention, as earwax blockage significantly increases the need for hearing aid repairs.

Method 3: Check the damper (for behind-the-ear devices). The damper, located in the hook of behind-the-ear hearing aids, can be blocked by earwax and oily secretions, causing sound obstruction. If the hearing aid functions normally after removing the hook, replacing it should restore normal usage.

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 impacts sound quality. Weak battery levels can cause uneven energy supply, resulting in intermittent sound output. Regularly replacing batteries and avoiding the use of expired ones are essential for hearing aid maintenance.

Method 2: Check the maximum output in the programming software. For hearing aids using "peak clipping" for output limitation, blindly reducing the maximum output can cause significant distortion. Users may experience difficulty hearing louder sounds or a sensation of "sometimes hearing, sometimes not."

The hearing aid produces feedback.

Method 1: Check the ear mold. For users with severe hearing loss, custom ear molds are often provided to enhance sealing. Improperly fitted molds can cause sound leakage between the ear canal and mold, resulting in feedback. Ensuring a snug fit by tightly inserting the ear mold can help identify the source of feedback.

Method 2: Check the ear hook (for behind-the-ear devices). Most ear hooks on the market are made of plastic, and prolonged use may lead to fractures, causing sound leakage and feedback. Replacing the ear hook can resolve the issue if feedback ceases.

Method 3: Check the vent. Vents are commonly used to enhance user comfort and alleviate the occlusion effect. However, inappropriate vent sizes for the user's hearing loss may lead to feedback due to excessive sound leakage. Professionals should assess whether vents are necessary and determine their size to avoid feedback issues.

Method 4: Check the microphone or receiver. After ruling out external causes of feedback, persistent feedback indicates an internal issue. If feedback originates from the microphone, covering the hearing aid's sound inlet with a finger should confirm the source. Similarly, if feedback comes from the receiver, covering the outlet with a finger should identify the issue. Internal feedback due to microphone or receiver detachment requires manufacturer intervention.

Method 5: Check high-frequency gain. Users with severe high-frequency hearing loss often receive increased high-frequency gain to compensate. However, excessive high-frequency gain can lead to a feedback loop, where the microphone picks up the receiver's sound, resulting in feedback. For users with severe high-frequency hearing loss, professionals may consider using more powerful hearing aids or activating the "frequency shifting" function.