Research shows that practicing new skills needs to be
paired with timely feedback in order to acheive the
highest level of learning. Feedback allows you to
become aware of your strengths and weakness in specific
areas, and to feel confident you have achieved your desired
level of proficiency (Ambrose et al., 2010. "How Learning
Works"). Accordingly, there are 10 questions below that probe
your knowledge of the content in this module. These
questions are meant to provide a "no-risk" way for you
to get some feedback on your ability to identify
components and troubleshoot problems with hearing aids.
Self-Quiz
Modern hearing aids have 2 microphone ports,
which allow for directional sensitivity.
You should set aside old tubing to use as a
guide when trimming the new tubing.
Neither! Only clean the hearing aid body (where
all the electronic components are housed) with a dry cloth.
You should use a damp cloth. Although an alcohol
pad sounds good for sanitary reasons, the alcohol will cause
the earmold to deteriorate over time.
Download the user manual from the manufacturer's
website. Tamper-proof doors and battery locks are intended to
protect children, but can also confound adults! The manual
should have step-by-step instructions.
1. Try brushing the microphone gratings with the
included brush.
2. Replace the microphone covers.
Check whether or not the earhook contains a damper.
If it does, make sure the replacement earhook has the same
type of damper.
1. The sound bore (carries tubing/sound).
2. The vent (permits air flow in and out of the ear canal).
Perform a feedback test. The test is effective
because it traps the sound output from the hearing aid speaker
in your closed hand, allowing the microphone to pick up its
own sound (creating feedback). You know the hearing aid is
powered on if it produces feedback!
Hearing aid batteries are activated by exposure
to the air (they are zinc-air batteries). The tab prevents air
from getting into the battery before it is ready for use. Once
the tab is removed, the battery will begin to drain, even if
the tab is replaced.
