Hearing aid has stopped working

Mum161111

I hope this is the best place to ask and I'll be glad of any information, thank you.

I have two NHS hearing aids and this afternoon after hearing the alert sound that the battery needs to be changed I changed the battery when I got home but the intermittent "battery low" sound was on for several hours before I could change the battery.  Normally when the battery is in and the 'case' is closed properly there is a musical sound to indicate that it is working.  I think it is an Oticon hearing aid.  I have tried YouTube and "Google" but have not been able to find a solution.

Both hearing aids were renewed about nine months ago so they are quite new.

The unaffected hearing aid works perfectly as normal but the one which needed a battery changed seems to be completely  "dead."  I have tried all the usual things:  no blockage, tried another new battery from a different packet and still the hearing aid is not working.

I know I'll have to ring the NHS Audiology tomorrow but if anyone has any ideas I'll really appreciate it.  The last time I had a problem I had to wait for months to be seen and I needed a new mould.  This time I'm sure it is not the mould.  I am anxious in case I have to wait for months to be seen but I know one (my nearest) NHS Audiology Clinic has closed completely.

It's going to be really difficult for me and I have to accept the limitations of the NHS with waiting times for appointments.  It used to be that there was a walk in clinic but now an appointment has to be made - and there is a long waiting list.  A neighbour told me that she was offered a slightly earlier out patient appointment if she could travel (two hours on three buses so a four hour round trip) to the next nearest ENT Department.

Thank you for any suggestions.



 

Spoonie_Turtle

The only thing I can think of, has it got wet/damp at all?

RNID have some services in select locations which I seem to recall are supposed to be drop-in rather than needing appointments (maybe?), have a look at the list to see if there is anything near you https://rnid.org.uk/information-and-support/local-support-services/get-help-with-hearing-aids/

Mum161111

I don't  think my hearing aid has got wet/damp.   That is a really helpful link, thanks very much Spoonie_Turtle.  There does not seem to be one close to me but there is one I could get to by bus and local train so that is encouraging.

I'll post back tomorrow after I get through to audiology. I'll really struggle and will be glad to get it sorted.  It's  good of you to 
reply with that helpful link.

Savvy_Sue

You could also try contacting the maker, in case they have any inspired advice?

A thought: are the contacts clean in the battery compartment?

Mum161111

I think they are O.K, thanks Savvy_Sue, but I am not sure how to check.  Comparing with my other hearing aid they look the same.

Lorian

The battery can go in two ways round. Make sure the + sign is pointing out.

Mum161111

The batteries are Rayovac Size 13 and can only fit in one way, thanks.  I really can't  think of anything I've done to damage it. I follow the instructions on the battery pack - removing the orange tab etc. 

Because I was out when the low battery sound came on, I took much longer than usual to take the battery out and put a new one in.  It's  confusing and I very much  appreciate the helpful replies and suggestions. 

Mum161111

I 'phoned NHS Audiology first thing when they opened at 9 a.m.  I was 9th in the queue but, after a wait, I was glad to get through  I followed the instructions but could not separate the tubing - I have arthritis in my fingers and thumbs and inadequate strength.  I did my best.

The earliest I can be seen - when they will show me how to troubleshoot  - is 5th September.  They no longer see anyone without an appointment.  

Although I have much to be thankful for, I really feel quite down because, even during the telephone call, with my one working hearing aid in, I really struggled to hear.  Thank you for the time you have all taken to reply.

born_again

While not related to battery issue. Mrs was complaining could not hear out of hers. Neither could I hear the starting jingle. Turned out that tube was blocked with wax (as well as her ears with they got done 2 weeks later)
Just changing tubes made a difference. 
We just turned up at audiology dept & got seen pretty much straight away. Shame yours do not do that now.

Could be the batteries you have put in are not as good. So try a different pack. 👍

Mum161111

Thanks born_again.  I have tried a different pack of batteriess but, unfortunately, no improvement.  It was worth trying.  Roll on 5th September.

I'm really pleased to that your wife got sorted so well - some parts of The NHS are doing really sell.

Savvy_Sue

The tubing does deteriorate over time, but if it (or the earmould) is blocked with wax then you may be able to clear it with a plastic wire from a clothing label.

I think we've all fixated initially on the battery, but now I think about it, I have had to clear the tube after a battery change.

I can't push a wire all the way through, because there's a little white filter just beyond where the earpiece screws on, but I can push a wire down from.the earmould, and that does the job.

I have been shown how to change the tube, and was sent away with some replacements, but found it impossible. 

Interestingly, my audiology dept used to advertise for volunteers for the HISS, Hearing Impaired Support Service, where people would go out and help those who were struggling with battery and tube changes etc. On my first few appointments I expressed interest, but no-one ever got back to me, and I gave up. Might not have been able to help anyway.