PERFORMANCE CHECK

1. Check the hearing aid for any loose pieces or connections, dirt or broken parts.
2. Wipe the hearing aid with a dry cloth or alcohol swab.
3. Test the battery for the appropriate voltage (desired voltage 1.2-1.4 volts) using a battery tester.
4. Insert the battery into the hearing aid.
5. Using the stethoscope, listen to the hearing aids= response to the following sounds /a/ "ah", /i/ "ee", /u/ "oo", /s/, /R/ "sh" and /m/. Assessment with these sounds is known as the "Ling 6 Sound Test". Listen for any distortion in the signal or a weak or intermittent signal. Shake the hearing aid to see if there are any loose components. Manipulate the volume control switch while you are talking into the microphone to ensure that it is functioning appropriately.
6. Attach your child's earmold to the hearing aid. While doing this take note of the state of the earmold (i.e., tube coming out, ear wax blocking the tubing, etc.). If there is anything within the earmold, it may have to be cleaned out with some soapy water and dried out with a tube blower.
7. Place the earmold and the hearing aid in your child's ear. Turn the hearing aid to the appropriate setting (M=microphone). The T-switch should only be used when the hearing aid is being used on the telephone.
8. Ensure that the volume is set appropriately. For young children, you may choose to place some tape over the volume control wheel to ensure that the volume is consistently at the appropriate setting.
9. Speak at a distance of approximately 1-2 feet away from the hearing aid to ensure that the hearing aid is on and is functioning. This may be sone through having your child clap their hands when they hear each of the 6 sounds or repeat back each of the sounds. You may also have the child answer questions such as - How old are you? Where do you live? Etc. Try to avoid yes/no questions to obtain a more reliable evaluation.
10. If the hearing aid seems to be functioning inappropriately, consult your Audiologist.

STORAGE OF THE HEARING AID

1. It is very important to store the hearing aid in a place that is dry. Moisture can build up in the hearing aid and cause damage to it. It is recommended that your child wear his/her hearing aid(s) during all waking hours, except for bath time. When the hearing aids are not being used, it is beneficial to store them in a dri-aid kit or a jar of dry rice with foam in it. Please refer to the Accessories Handout for further information.
2. It is recommended that the earmold(s) are washed with soap and water frequently (i.e., weekly). It is critical that the earmold(s) are appropriately dried before attaching to the hearing aid(s) to ensure water doesn't travel up the tubing of the earmold and into the circuitry of the hearing aid. A blower or turkey baster may be useful in this process to ensure the elimination of excess moisture.

HEARING AID ACCESSORIES

In order to ensure that your child is able to hear during all waking hours, we strongly recommend the purchase of the following:

1. Battery Tester

• battery tester enables you to determine if the battery has a suitable voltage to power the hearing aid.
• We recommend a tester that allows you to obtain the actual voltage rather than one that simply says "good/replace" because we do not know specifically what voltage determines that the battery is good.
• A battery is useful if it has a voltage of 1.2-1.4 volts.

2. Air Blower

• Earmolds should be washed regularly with warm water and soap; after they have been washed, it is important to try to eliminate excess moisture through the tubing and the bore. An air blower is the common tool used for this purpose. These can be purchased from a hearing aid dispenser.
• ou may also use a turkey baster if you are able to find the appropriate size or you may use a hair dryer on the cool setting (hot air may melt the earmold).

3. Dri-aid Kit

• Moisture in the hearing aids can drastically affect functioning.
• When the hearing aid(s) are not being worn they should be stored in a place where the moisture can be absorbed.
• There is an actual kit entitled a "Dri-Aid Kit" that is available from hearing aid dispensing clinics; these kits contain a jar that is filled with silica balls that are able to absorb moisture; these balls are re-usable; after they have changed color they can be baked and are able to be used again.
• A natural alternative involves filling an air tight jar with dry rice and placing a piece of foam on top of the rice; the hearing aids are then placed on the foam and the rice absorbs excess moisture. 

4.     Batteries

• Zinc air batteries are used.
• Each battery in the package has a sticker tab on the back; once this sticker is peeled off the battery is activated (allow the battery about 30 seconds to become fully activated).
• Batteries can be purchased at a variety of stores and hearing aid dispensing clinics. You may purchase zinc air batteries in bulk because they will never lose their voltage until they are activated so shop around for sales.

5.      Otoclip/Dental Floss and safety pin

There are a couple of options to reduce the risk of losing the hearing aids if they are pulled out (this is the case for infants or very young children):

• Dental floss can be tied to the earhooks and attached to the back of the child's clothing (shirt etc.) by a safety pin.
• An Otoclip is a similar device that is sold by hearing aid dispensers for the same purpose; they come in a variety of different styles that are appealing to young children.

6.    "Huggies"

• Children have soft ears that are very flexible; often it is difficult to ensure that the hearing aids stay on the child's ears while he/she is actively playing, "huggies" can be useful if this is a concern.
• "Huggies" consist of a large plastic ring that fits around the child's ear and two rubber rings that attach to the hearing aid; this set-up then secures placement of the hearing aid. These can be purchased from your hearing aid dispenser.