Why Doesn’t My Hearing Device Work?

What is wrong?

• No sound
• Distorted sound
• Weak sound
• Feedback
• Static/Frying sound

Not Clear What should I check?

• Battery-try a new one (preferably use one from a working instrument)
• Replace wax trap
• Clean the microphone(s)
• Clean the sound-outlet
• Clean the tubing or hook
• Have your ears checked for wax build-up
• Have a new hearing test

When do I consult with my Audiologist?

When you can’t fix it yourself when you are afraid you might break it, (ESPECIALLY when it’s in warranty) or when you need a new hearing test.

Dr. Robertson is trained and certified by the American Institute of Balance. She has been fortunate to learn directly from Dr. Richard Gans, an internationally known expert in Concussion treatment. All aspects of the AIB program of education and treatment are research based and proven to show results. Concussion is very serious. Most medical tests can not identify concussion. CT scans can not identify micro traumatic brain injuries. If there is any chance you have a concussion, the most important thing is to REST. This means no emotional or mental strain for the first week after your head injury. Dr. Robertson can provide evaluation to determine your current level of mental function and help track improvements that develop over time and with treatment.

Hearing protection is vital to your hearing health! Protection will help to slow down the development of hearing loss. Any time you will be exposed to loud noise, you should use protection. At work, you should be advised by your supervisor if you are in a section where noise levels may be harmful. Harmful noise levels may occur outside of work, as well. Ear protection should be worn when using lawn mowers, saws, or almost any power equipment. Some cleaning equipment and kitchen appliances are loud enough that it would be beneficial to use ear protection. Ear protection should also be worn when at concerts, auto races, tractor pulls, target shooting, or similar activities.

Sometimes, wearing ear protection may feel uncomfortable. Earmuffs may feel tight, give you a headache, or make you sweaty. Ear plugs may also feel tight, make your ears itch, or not stay in your ears well. You have to decide which is more unpleasant, having a hearing loss or wearing ear protection. If you are having trouble finding something comfortable, custom-made ear protection may be purchased through this office.

When selecting your hearing protectors, look for the NRR rating. This will be stated as “NRR25”, for example. This number tells you the maximum amount of noise, measured in decibels, that will be blocked; the higher the number, the more noise that will be blocked. Remember, if you don’t wear the protection as intended, it cannot help you. It is important to wear the earplugs inserted tightly into your ears.

We provide a variety of products that can protect your hearing and slow down your development of hearing loss. These products may be for industrial purposes, for musicians, for use at home with power tools or any other purpose. Please contact us to determine which product is appropriate for your needs.

Alternative Listening Devices

Assistive devices are products made to help people who have hearing loss but do NOT require the use of hearing instruments.  They are used independently.  Most assistive devices are designed for one purpose.  If you want to have help in multiple areas, you will need to purchase multiple items.  We carry many products that have been well tested by our patients and have demonstrated good sound quality and reliability.  The pictures shown convey just some of the product options available.  Please describe what you need and we will try to find it for you.