Guide to new hearing aids (1759)

Key points below

Hearing aids should be worn all day, every day. Take them off if sleeping, bathing, or swimming.

Remember

Red = Right hearing aid, Blue = Left hearing aid.
Store the hearing aids in a safe, clean, dry place. Keep them away from pets.
Turn the hearing aid off any time it is not in the ear by opening the battery door.
- This will help the battery last longer.
Turn the hearing aid on by closing the battery door. Make sure it is closed all the way.

My child’s hearing aid(s) has:
A ______ year repair warranty that expires on __________.
A ______ year loss and damage warranty that expires on __________.

Batteries

Size _____; Package Color
Take the tab off the battery and wait 2 minutes. Insert with the positive (+) sign up.
Batteries are toxic! Store them away from children and pets.
- If a battery is swallowed, call the 24-hour National Battery Ingestion Hotline: 1 (800) 498-8666 right away.

Do daily hearing aid checks

Clean the hearing aid and earmold if you see wax or dirt.
Use the brush and cloth you were given.
Make sure the hearing aid is working before putting it in your child’s ear. Listen to it with the listening scope.

Problem solving
Problem	Action
Hearing aid is whistling while in the ear.	Check the earmold. It may be too small or not completely in the ear. Inspect the tubing for dirt or a crack. There may be a lot of wax in the ear canal. Do not use a Q-tip or any other object to clean it. Make an appointment with PCP or Audiology. If problem continues, call the Hearing Aid Hotline: (414) 266-7515
Hearing aid is dead or sounds weak.	Check the battery. Use the batter tester to see if the battery is dead. If the battery is dead, replace it with a new one. Make sure the battery is in correctly with the positive (+) sign up. Clean the hearing aid and earmold. Make sure the tubing is clear. If there is a wax guard, make sure it is clear. If it is not clear, replace it with a new wax guard. If problem continues, call the Hearing Aid Hotline: (414) 266-7515
Moisture in the tubing or hearing aid gets wet.	Use the bulb air-blower to get rid of any moisture in tubing. This was given to you. Put the hearing aid in the drying container for about 12 hours. Remember to take out the battery and leave the battery door open. If problem continues, call the Hearing Aid Hotline: (414) 266-7515
Child often takes out hearing aids or loses them.	Use a device like otoclips, ear gear, ear suspenders, a pilot cap, or toupee tape.

Be sure to follow up with your audiologist every 3 to 6 months!

For questions or help with your child’s hearing aids, call the Hearing Aid Hotline: (414) 266-7515. Your call will be returned within 1 business day.

Note: It is very important for your child to wear their hearing aids whenever they are awake. The more time they wear the hearing aids, the more time they will be learning and growing. A research study shows:

"If your baby wears hearing aids only four hours each day, it will take six years to give him as much listening experience as a normally hearing infant accumulates in one year."
(Stovall, D. [1982]. Teaching Speech to Hearing Impaired Infants and Children. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas.)

For more health and wellness information check out this resource:https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensWi/en/parents

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information. This sheet was created to help you care for your child or family member. It does not take the place of medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.