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Hearing Aids. Is there simple test to find if one is not working.

(10 Posts)
Gfplux Fri 09-Feb-24 18:46:03

Thank you everyone some very useful tips. In fact after I posted the question I did pop in to my supplier and I now have a simple test.
I have in the ear aids NOT behind the ear. They are Signia Pro.
The test is to scratch with the finger nail on the exposed area. That will tell me immediately if they have switched off.
In fact I have another appointment next week and I am keeping a detailed diary of any issues I have.

Granny23 Fri 09-Feb-24 10:40:48

My simple test = put the hearing aid in then scratch through the hair just above the ear. If I hear the scratching sound Aid is OK, if I don't or hardly hear then aid probably needs a new battery.

Our fairly local Audiology Department has a drop in day once a week. It is staffed by volunteers who are all hearing aid users themselves. They are extremely helpful if you are struggling to e.g fit new tubes or other minor problems. If there is a major problem they can instantly refer you to the consultant.

Patsy70 Fri 09-Feb-24 09:21:34

I have hearing aids from Specsavers and was told to pop in at any time if I had a problem. It could be something simple like a build up of wax in the tubes or the batteries need changing. I would call in to whoever supplied them Gfplux.

NannyJan53 Fri 09-Feb-24 08:57:30

I have had hearing aids for 20 years, and the only time one stops working is either, moisture in the tube, wax in the tube, or battery needs changing.

I have a special 'puffer' to remove moisture bubbles.

Salti Fri 09-Feb-24 08:52:58

My husband complained of a similar thing a few months ago. One of his was going through batteries at an alarming rate. I rang the local company that supplies them (for the NHS). They said to either drop it off or post it to them. They rang the next day to say it was randomly turning itself off. They fixed it and half an hour later I picked it up.
Usually if I suspect it is wax I call at the surgery and make an appointment for a nurse to have a look.

NotAGran55 Fri 09-Feb-24 08:44:15

There are online hearing tests, I think that Boots do one?

A relative talked about having tested another relative who didn’t believe they had a hearing problem, and convinced her that they did.

Calendargirl Fri 09-Feb-24 08:42:24

You haven’t got a build up of wax, have you?

My DH has private hearing aids, he makes a lot of wax and when they make a whistling sound, usually means his eardrums are blocked again.

And of course, he then can’t hear properly!

kittylester Fri 09-Feb-24 08:40:54

Have you cleaned the tubes? Changed the batteries?

NotSpaghetti Fri 09-Feb-24 08:38:54

Are they ready for a service?
Not sure how that side of things works.

Gfplux Thu 08-Feb-24 13:40:09

I have had hearing aids for over a year. I was delighted with them and had no problems with wearing them all day, every day, However more recently I feel that they work intermittently. Frankly I don’t know if this is my imagination. Have I got used to them and I don’t notice if they are working?
Is there a simple test to check if one or the other is not working.
I have Signia Active Pro.