Troubleshooting

Make sure the aid is turned on (don’t laugh; this happens!).
Make sure that that the T-switch is correctly positioned (not in the “T” position).
Check if the battery is inserted correctly (+ and in the right place). If you have to force the battery, you probably have it wrong.
Check to see that the battery is not dead. If in doubt, try a new one (where you have to remove the sticky paper flap off the battery surface). A dead battery is the most common reason for “dead aids”. If you wear two aids, try swapping the batteries. If the good battery from the device that works, does not work in the “other” aid, the problem is the “other” aid.
Check battery contacts to be sure they are not corroded.
Check tubing to be sure it is not clogged with moisture (shown by water or condensation in the tube), or debris. Clear the tube.
Check earmold to be sure that sound bore is not clogged with wax.

Check battery. Replace if necessary.
Check tubing for cracks, fraying, moisture, etc. Replace if necessary.
Check that the earmold is not clogged with wax.
Reposition the earmold for a tighter fit; it may have been whistling (feedback) at a pitch you cannot hear.

Flick on/off switch back and forth, in case dust or lint has collected in the controls.
Check battery contacts.
Think where you have been. If in a very humid environment or have experienced excessive perspiration from vigorous activities, moisture may clog the aid and distort sounds. Use a hearing aid dehumidifier overnight and try again (see discussion above under “Moisture”).
Check the tubing from earmold to the hearing aid and replace it if bent, cracked, frayed.

Ensure that the ear is free of wax. Excessive wax buildup in the ear canal will not allow the sound to enter and result in feedback.
Possibly an earmold problem. Remove the aid, put a finger over the earmold hole. If the whistling stops, the earmold was not properly inserted in the ear, or is not a good fit. Try it again in the ear; if the whistle continues, consult your hearing aid dispenser.
Sometimes feedback may occur when you have a blockage of wax in the ear canal, a stiff eardrum (from a cold, for example) or any condition that causes sound to be reflected from the ear canal. In these cases, the earmold may be fine, and the feedback will disappear when the condition is corrected.
Check volume control; it may have been turned too high.

Correct any feedback or whistling problems. Feedback will drain the batteries faster.
Ensure that the battery and door is open at night.
Do not leave the batteries in heat or moist environments.

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