A SCREENING-TEST FOR HEARING-AID MALFUNCT ION

A complaint about a malfunctioning hearing aid (HA) usually will requi re thorough testing of all aspects of hearing aid functions by the hea ring aid dispenser. However, ENT physicians can also detect defects ea sily by following the simple screening procedure described here. Befor e testing the HA function, the following questions should be answered: Are the body of the hearing aid and ear mold intact? Is the ear canal free of irritation and is the acoustic isolation of the ear canal by the HA sufficient? A rough estimate of HA function can be accomplished by covering the HA with the hand. If the HA is switched on, a feedbac k, high-pitched sound should be produced. HA amplification can be asse ssed by using a stethoclip. After the examination is completed, all sw itches should be put back into their previous positions. Although thes e basic procedures are not equivalent to diligent and comprehensive ac oustical testing, they are still useful for the otologist to detect ma jor faults in the HA before referring the patient to the hearing aid d ispenser.