**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

  ----------------------------------------------------- -----------------
                                                        Page

  What is a hearing aid?                                3

  Loan Basis                                            4

  Hearing Loss and It's Effects                         4

  Adjusting to a Hearing Aid                            5

  Speechreading - What your friends and family can do   6
  to help                                               

  Hearing Aid Batteries                                 7

  Replacing Your Battery                                9

  Inserting Your Hearing Aid                            10

  Removing Your Hearing Aid                             11

  How To Adjust Your Hearing Aid in Noise               12

  Telephone Use                                         16

  Hearing Aid Care                                      17

  Box Set-Up                                            20

  Batteries for Eligible Outpatients                    21

  Hearing Aid Repairs for Eligible Outpatients -        22
  Through Audiology                                     

  Hearing Aid Repairs for Eligible Outpatients After    23
  the Warranty Period- through DDC                      

  Repair Form                                           23

  Trouble Shooting Guide                                24

  Hearing Aid Battery Order Form                        25
  ----------------------------------------------------- -----------------

Adjusting to a new hearing aid can be a confusing and difficult
experience. This booklet offers some suggestions to help you adjust to
your new hearing aid.

Please keep this booklet for future use.

**Contact Information**

If you have questions about your hearing aid, please contact the VA
Audiology Clinic nearest you:

  ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------
  ALBANY VA Medical Center 113 Holland     (518) 626-5820
  Avenue Albany, NY 12208                  

  BATH VA Medical Center AUDIOLOGY         \(607\) 664-4419 (607)
  (D&T/76/202) Bath, NY 14810              664-4418

  CANANDAIGUA VAMC 400 Fort Hill Avenue    \(585\) 393-7891
  Canandaigua, NY 14424                    

  ROCHESTER VA Outpatient Clinic 465       \(585\) 463-2701
  Westfall Road Rochester, NY 14620        

  SYRACUSE VA Medical Center 800 Irving    \(315\) 425-2437
  Avenue Syracuse, NY 13210                

  VA Western New York Healthcare System at \(716\) 862-6095
  Buffalo 3495 Bailey Avenue Buffalo, NY   
  14215                                    
  ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------

**WHAT IS A HEARING AID?**

A hearing aid is similar to a miniature public address system. They
include a:

  ------------------ ----------------------------------------------------
  ⇒Microphone-       Picks up the sound.

  ⇒Amplifier-        Increases the loudness of the sound.

  ⇒Receiver-         Reproduces the sound and transmits it into your ear.

  ⇒Battery-          The power supply of the hearing aid.
  ------------------ ----------------------------------------------------

Different types of hearing aids are made to accommodate different types
of hearing loss. Custom hearing aids are not appropriate for some severe
forms of hearing loss, as they may not have enough volume to help the
individual.

  ----------------------- ---------------------------------------------------- -----------------------
                          Half-shell                                           

  In-the-ear              ![](media/image1.png){width="1.9583333333333333in"   Over-the-ear
                          height="1.3118055555555554in"}                       

                          Canal                                                
  ----------------------- ---------------------------------------------------- -----------------------

**LOAN BASIS**

As an eligible VA patient, you may be entitled to hearing aid(s). These
are given to patients on an "indefinite loan" basis.

Please do not throw out your old or broken hearing aids. Any hearing
aids you no longer use should be returned to the Audiology Clinic
nearest you. Returned hearing aids are sent to the Denver Distribution
Center where they are recycled for parts and repairs.

**HEARING LOSS AND IT'S EFFECTS**

It is common for adults to have some hearing loss. The older we get, the
poorer our hearing becomes. Hearing loss usually begins gradually with
certain words sounding soft, muffled and/or distorted. This change often
makes listening a difficult task, especially in noisy areas.

People with a hearing loss often feel that they can hear fine but cannot
understand what is being said. In most cased, people with hearing loss
have more difficulty hearing high pitch sounds. The consonants s, z, f,
v, sh, and th, are difficult to hear if you have high pitch hearing
loss.

If a person hears low pitches normally, he/she usually hears vowel
sounds normally. This is why many people feel that they can hear fine.
But when a person only hears vowel sounds, they are not hearing enough
of the word to understand it. This makes speech sound like it is being
mumbled.

Hearing aids and speechreading may be able to help you with this type of
hearing loss. These tools will help you understand conversations better.
Unfortunately, hearing aids can't make us hear as well as when we were
younger but they do improve our hearing and allow us to hear more than
we could before using them.

**ADJUSTING TO A HEARING AID**

How quickly you adjust to your hearing aid will depend on how often you
wear it. If you wear your hearing aid every day, you will get used to it
much faster.

If you expect your hearing aid will help you understand all
conversation, you will be disappointed. Generally, the older we get, the
more difficulty we have understanding conversations. With a hearing
loss, this gets even worse.

**-Hearing aids are not a cure for hearing loss:**

> •Hearing aids do not correct your hearing or return it to normal. If
> this happened, most people would not be able to tolerate the volume.

**-Hearing aids will not block out background noise.**

> •It is not possible for an electronic device or our brain to amplify
> one person's voice and block out other voices or sounds.
>
> •When you begin wearing a hearing aid(s), you will notice an increase
> in the noise levels around you. This noise has probably always been
> there but people with your hearing loss, you probably were not
> noticing the background noise before.
>
> •It will take time for you to get used to hearing the louder sounds
> around you.

**-Speech reading is necessary.**

> •If you rely only on hearing, you may not be able to understand all
> conversation. The poorer hearing becomes, the greater difficulty you
> will have understanding conversation.
>
> •To improve our ability to understand conversation, you must use your
> eyes when listening. Watch the face of the person that is speaking.
>
> •Even when wearing hearing aids, we must rely on speechreading.

**Speechreading - What Your Friends and Family Can Do to Help**

⇒Do not speak unless you are in the same room with the listener.

⇒Get the person's attention before you begin to speak to him/her. If
necessary, call the person's name or touch him/her lightly to attract
their attention.

⇒Be sure the listener can see your face clearly. Do not stand in front
of a light or window. The glare will make it difficult to for him/her to
see your face.

⇒Do not turn or walk away while speaking.

⇒Do NOT shout. Speak at normal volume. Shouting distorts speech and
makes it harder to understand.

⇒Speak at a normal rate. Don't speak too fast. The faster you talk, the
harder it is to understand.

⇒Speak clearly. Do NOT exaggerate movements of your mouth. This will
distort speech.

⇒Do NOT speak directly into the listener's ear.

⇒If the listener does not understand what you have said, rephrase the
statement rather than simply repeating it.

⇒Be patient. Try not to get upset if you have to repeat things a lot.
Hearing can fluctuate with days, times and moods.

⇒Talk in a quiet area. The noisier the room, the more difficulty we all
have in following a conversation.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  **HEARING AID BATTERIES**

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

![](media/image2.png){width="3.7506944444444446in"
height="2.5006944444444446in"}

A small battery is the power source for your hearing aid and requires
replacement every one to three weeks. How often you change your
batteries varies with the degree with your degree of hearing loss, the
number of hours you wear your hearing aid(s), and the type/size of the
battery.

**•**Keep batteries out of reach of children, pets, or confused
individuals.

**•**Do NOT put batteries in your ears, nose, or mouth. Always throw
away old batteries.

**•**Individuals have mistaken these small batteries for medication.
Please check your medication before swallowing.

•If you swallow a battery, contact your physician or call the

**THE NATIONAL BUTTON BATTERY INGESTION HOTLINE (202) 625-3333
immediately.**

-   Store batteries in a cool/dry place.

•Do NOT store zinc-air batteries in a refrigerator.

**•**When replacing the battery, do not force battery door closed.

Check to make sure the battery is the correct size and in the right way.

-   When your hearing aid is not in use, open the battery compartment,
    This will save battery power and allow the hearing aid to dry
    overnight.

-   Keep the "tab" on zinc-air batteries until you are ready to use
    them.

-   Extra batteries should be carried in a cloth or leather pouch.

Do NOT carry batteries loosely with other metal objects (change, keys,
etc,). If metal objects rub together, it could kill the battery.

-   Never dispose of batteries in a fire. They may explode.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  **REPLACING YOUR BATTERY**

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

  ---------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  ![](media/image3.png){width="3.4159722222222224in"   1\) Open the battery door - by
  height="2.2708333333333335in"}                       swinging door open with your
                                                       finger. 2) Take out the old
                                                       battery. 3) Peel the \"tab\" off
                                                       the new battery. 4) Hold the
                                                       battery between your thumb and
                                                       forefinger with positive (+) side
                                                       up (this is the all silver side).

  LEFT: In-the-ear RIGHT: Behind-the-ear               5\) Slide or push into battery
                                                       door. Do not place the battery
                                                       directly inside the hearing aid
                                                       itself. 6) Close battery door.
  ---------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------

The circle on the negative side of the battery should line up with the
ledge on the bottom of the battery compartment.

**INSERTING YOUR HEARING AID**

  ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  Your hearing aid(s) should be       ![](media/image4.png){width="2.645138888888889in"
  **OFF** Hold the hearing aid along  height="1.7590277777777779in"} Canal faces away
  the side using your thumb and       from your hand.
  forefinger. For most in-the-ear     
  hearing aids, insert with the       
  volume control at the bottom. For   
  canal style hearing aids, insert it 
  with the volume control a the top.  
  The canal should face away from     
  your hand.                          

  For over-the-ear hearing aids,      ![](media/image5.png){width="2.645138888888889in"
  insert the earmold first and then   height="1.7590277777777779in"}
  place the aid on top of ear.        

  Insert the **CANAL** portion of the It may be easier to insert if you pull up and back
  hearing aid into ear                on your ear with the opposite hand.

  Rotate the hearing aid              ![](media/image6.png){width="2.25in"
  back-and-forth until it rests       height="2.9881944444444444in"}
  **FLATLY** in your ear. Sometimes   
  using a mirror is helpful. To turn  
  your hearing aid **ON** or          
  **INCREASE** the volume, place your 
  forefinger on the volume control.   
  Using slight pressure turn the knob 
  forward or towards your nose.       
  ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  **REMOVING YOUR HEARING AID**

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Shut your hearing aid off. This will stop it from whistling.

Using your forefinger, apply slight pressure and turn it backwards.

To take hold of the hearing aid, push down on earlobe with the thumb to
create a space for your thumb. Grab with your forefinger at the top and
your thumb at the bottom of the hearing aid.

To remove the hearing aid, pull it straight out. Do not pull on the
battery door or the volume wheel. This can damage the faceplate.

  ---------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
  ![](media/image7.png){width="1.6875in"   ![](media/image8.png){width="2.0in"
  height="2.2916666666666665in"}           height="2.3229166666666665in"}

  **In-The-Ear**                           Behind-The-Ear Remove this type of
                                           hearing aid by grabbing the earmold -
                                           not the tubing.
  ---------------------------------------- --------------------------------------

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  **HOW TO ADJUST YOUR HEARING AID IN NOISE:**

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

> Some people assume once they turn their hearing aid on in the morning,
> it doesn't need to be adjusted again. This is not always the case. You
> may find you need to adjust the volume on your hearing aid several
> times throughout the day. This often depends upon the noise levels of
> various situations. Generally, in noisier areas, the volume should be
> turned down.
>
> **Normal volume control settings are:**
>
> **QUIET** - ½ on or between 1/3 to 2/3 on. This is the normal setting
> for "around the house".
>
> **NOISE** - ¼ on; Hearing aids should be turned down in restaurants,
> malls, crowds, and when you are riding/driving in a vehicle moving at
> speeds 55mph or higher.

-   **Wear your hearing aid while you are awake.**

-   **The more often you wear your hearing aid(s), the quicker you will
    adjust to them.**

-   **Hearing aid(s) should be worn every day.**

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Adjusting Your Hearing Aid(s) in Noisy Situations**

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Some hearing aids allow for a change in the acoustics of the hearing aid
with the use of a small button or switch. This is used to adjust the
hearing aid in noisy situations or for use with the telephone.

**Hearing aids can be adjusted by a button or toggle switch.**

  ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------
  \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **Memory button** to adjust     ![](media/image9.png){width="1.5409722222222222in"
  your hearing aid you will need to push a small       height="1.3645833333333333in"}
  button near the top portion of the hearing aid.      

  ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------

> **\# of beeps:**
>
> \_\_\_\_ Quiet (around the house, TV, small groups)
>
> \_\_\_\_ Noise (restaurants, malls, parties, crowds) For most
> effective use, seat yourself with speaker to your front and the noise
> behind you.
>
> \_\_\_\_ Other: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Hearing aid settings are called "programs." If you find that you do not
like having separate programs, call Audiology for an appointment. They
will turn the programs "off". Opening the battery door will
automatically reset the hearing aid to "program 1).

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Toggle Switch:

> With Switch \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ = normal listening
>
> Move Switch \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ = to decrease noise in noisy rooms such
> as restaurants. Do not wear in this mode while driving.

\_\_\_\_\_ Other:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  **TELECOIL**

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Your hearing aid is equipped with a:

\_\_\_\_ Telecoil button

\_\_\_\_ Telecoil switch

\_\_\_\_ Automatic Telecoil - see next page

NOTE: telecoils are compatible with hearing aid compatible telephones
only. Currently, they do not work with many digital cell phones. If you
do not find improvement with a telecoil when using a telephone, you can
still use the phone, but it is extremely important that you hold the
phone as shown in the photograph on page 17.

**Telecoil Switch/Button**

With a telecoil switch/button, before anwering the telephone, slide/push
button to the "T" position, In this position, your hearing aid will pick
up the sound directly from the telephone receiver. It will not amplify
room noises. This may make it easier for you to understand a telephone
conversation.

On your \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ hearing aid, slide the switch/push button
to: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_to activate the telecoil.

When you are finished with the telephone, you must slide the switch/push
the button back to its original position: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

  --------------------------- ------- ----------------------------------------------------
  The telecoil switch/button          ![](media/image9.png){width="1.1666666666666667in"
  on an in-the-ear hearing            height="1.03125in"}
  aid is often located near           
  the top.                            

  On behind-the-ear hearing           ![](media/image10.png){width="0.6875in"
  aids, the telecoil switch           height="1.34375in"}
  is usually located in the           
  center of the on and off            
  switch.                             
  --------------------------- ------- ----------------------------------------------------

Sometimes, the telecoil switch/button can be activated to use some sound
systems that have been installed in churches, theaters, meeting rooms,
and buildings. Since the passage of the "American's With Disabilities
Act", many urban areas have begun using these types of systems.

**Automatic Telecoil**

The telecoil in your hearing aid will automatically activate when you
use a hearing aid compatible telephone.

There are no adjustments for you to make on your hearing aid when using
the telephone.

Please see page 17 for correct angle to hold the telephone when using.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  **TELEPHONE USE**

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Hold the telephone receiver close to our ear - without touching the
hearing aid.

If your hearing aid "whistles," tilt the telephone receiver away from
the ear until the whistling stops.

Experiment with the position of the telephone to find your hearing aid's
"hot spot".

With any style hearing aid, it may be necessary to:

⇒Increase the volume control of the hearing aid

⇒Be sure you are holding the telephone at the angle pictured above

⇒Turn the volume back down before changing your hearing aid back to "on"

  ----------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image11.png){width="1.6666666666666667in"   ![](media/image12.png){width="2.4791666666666665in"
  height="2.15625in"}                                   height="2.2708333333333335in"}

  ----------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------

  ---------------------------------- ------- ----------------------------
  **Behind-the-ear** style hearing           **In-the-ear** style hearing
  aid Rest the receiver of the               aid Rest the receiver of the
  telephone above your ear.                  telephone on the top portion
  Manufactuers use different methods         of your ear
  to activate the telecoil, either           
  moving "on/off" switch to middle           
  (left) or with a push-button               
  (right).                                   

  ---------------------------------- ------- ----------------------------

**Hearing Aid Care/Daily Care**

If your hearing aid is not kept clean, it will require more frequent
repairs.

**⇒Keep your hearing aid clean at all times.**

**•**When handling your hearing aid, be sure your hands are clean.

**•**Before going to bed at night, clean your hearing aid(s).

**•**If there is any earwax or other debris on the hearing aid or
earmold, wipe it with a soft, dry tissue.

•A Wax-loop and wax-brush are provided for cleaning the canal portion of
your hearing aid. You should use these every day. Clean the top portion
only. Do not insert anything (including the cleaning tools) into the
hearing aid.id with DRY tissue or soft cloth daily.

> .

  -------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image13.png){width="1.5in"   ![](media/image4.png){width="1.53125in"   ![](media/image14.png){width="1.2083333333333333in"
  height="1.020138888888889in"}          height="1.0208333333333333in"}            height="1.4479166666666667in"}

  Example of wax-loop and one type of    Clean canal portion of hearing aid.       Put hearing aid in case with battery compartment
  brush.                                                                           OPEN. Keep case closed.
  -------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------

⇒**Wax guards**

•Spring/Coil Wax Guard System - Do not put wax loop or anything else
inside the canal of hearing aid.

•Other
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

⇒**When you are not using your hearing aid(s), store the case with the
battery compartment open.**

•Do not store your hearing aid(s) in your pocket. You may lose it/them.

⇒**Store your hearing aid(s) in a cool,dry place.**

•A dresser drawer or nightstand drawer is recommended.

⇒**Keep your hearing aid(s) away from children and small animals.**

•Dogs and cats WILL eat or destroy your hearing aid(s).

•If your hearing aid(s) are stored in their case, animals will not be
able to get to them.

⇒**Keep your hearing aid dry.**

•Do not wear your hearing aid while bathing, swimming, or shaving.

•Do not use water or cleaning solutions on your hearing aid(s).

•Wear a hat or umbrella if it is raining or snowing.

•If your hearing aid(s) become wet and stop working:

•Remove the battery and throw it away.

•Place your hearing aid(s) in the storage case and let it dry overnight.

•**Do not try a new battery until the next morning.**

⇒Protect your hearing aid from extreme temperatures.

•Do not use a hair dryer on your hearing aid(s).

•Do not store hearing aid(s) in direct sunlight, in a glove compartment,
on a stove, or on a radiator.

•Never put your hearing aid(s) in the microwave or use a blowtorch on
them.

⇒**Weather may effect your hearing aid.**

•In extreme cold, your hearing aid may make "popping" noises and then
stop working. This happens when the battery becomes too cold. Your
hearing aid should begin working once you return indoors and it "warms
up."

•On hot/humid days, your hearing aid may stop working if sweat plugs the
canal.

⇒**Do not drop your hearing aid.**

**•**Insert and remove your hearing aid(s) over a carpeted area. If you
don not have carpeting, insert your hearing aid(s) while sitting on a
bed. If you choose to insert your hearing aid(s) over a table, place a
bath towel on the table before caring for the hearing aid(s).

⇒**Protect your hearing aid from harsh substances.**

**•**Do not wear your hearing aid(s) while using hair spray, spray
paint, or any other sticky sprays. This will clog the microphone.

⇒**Do not use hearing aid(s) while using noisy machinery.**

•Do not wear your hearing aid(s) when you are using a lawnmower, power
tool, chainsaw, tractor or a shotgun/rifle.

•Remove the hearing aid(s) and hearing protection (earplugs/ear muffs)
should be worn. Loud noise can cause your hearing loss to worsen.

⇒**If you have an ear infection with disharge, do not wear your hearing
aid(s).**

•Contact your physician for medical treatment.

⇒**Never take your hearing aid(s) apart.**

•If your hearing aid(s) stop working, please refer to the
troubleshooting guide on page 26.

•Never grind or poke holes in your hearing aid.

⇒**If your hearing aid(s) are causing you pain/soreness:**

**•**STOP wearing your hearing aid.

•Call Audiology for an appointment.

•Start wearing your hearing aid(s) again the day before your
appointment. This will help us see where you are experiencing the
soreness.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  **BOX SET UP**

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

About one to four weeks after

receiving your VA hearing aid(s), you will receive

a box from the DDC (Denver Distri- bution Center). It will contain:

⇒ A 6 month supply of hearing

aid batteries

⇒ Bubble envelope

⇒ Tape

⇒ Address label

⇒ Battery order card

⇒ Repair order card

**Save the box for future use.**

You will not receive the batteries or box set-up, if DDC mailed either
of those to you in the 30 days before receiving your new hearing aid(s).

**BATTERIES FOR ELIGIBLE OUTPATIENTS**

When you have only four batteries left, it is time to order more.

You can order your hearing aid batteries by completing one of the
following:

1\) Complete a \"Veteran\'s Request for Hearing Aid Batteries\" form.
Put a stampon it and mail it. You will receive your batteries in about
two to three weeks.

One order card is sent with each shipment of batteries.

2)  E-mail the DDC:

[ddc.csd@mail.va.gov]{.underline}

Be sure to include your name, address, hearing aid information and
battery size on your request.

3\) If you cannot find your "Battery Request Card," and you do not have
e-mail, you can also xerox or copy the form on past 27. Copy and
complete the form, and mail it in an envelope to DDC.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  **HEARING AID REPAIRS FOR ELIGIBLE OUTPATIENTS - Through Audiology**

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Before calling to request an appointment, please check the
troubleshooting guide in this booklet.

Please call Audiology for an appointment for repairs.

If no one is able to answer your call, please leave a message.

Calls will be returned as soon as possible.

For clinic phone numbers, please refer to page 2 in the front of this
booklet.

Hearing aids sent directly from Audiology for repair may take two to
three weeks to be returned.

**HEARING AID REPAIRS FOR ELIGIBLE OUTPATIENTS - Through DDC**

May take an average of four to six weeks for hearing aid to be returned.

> ⇒Complete the \"Veteran\'s Request for Hearing Aid Repairs, Cords, or
> Tubing\" form (page 25) and mail it to the DDC.
>
> ⇒When mailing your hearing aid:
>
> •Complete the repair card
>
> •Remove the battery and close the battery compartment
>
> •Wrap the hearing aid in bubble envelope
>
> •Make sure the repair card is inside the box

If you have a behind-the-ear for body-aid, remove the earmold before
mailing.

If you have a CROS or BICROS hearing aid, mail both sides of the hearing
aid.

After the hearing aid is repaired, it will be mailed to you. One repair
card will be sent back with your hearing aid.

**View form <http://www.va.gov/vaforms/va/pdf/VA1107.pdf>**

**TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE**

> Eventually, all electronic devices (including hearing aids)
> malfunction. Before sending your hearing aid for repairs, try the
> following:

  ------------------------------ ----------------------------------------
  **If your hearing aid is**     **Dead or weak**

  **Possible cause**             **What to do**

  Dead battery                   Change battery

  Earwax blocking the opening    Using a dry tissue, wie off wax or use
                                 wax remover tool

  Waxguard plugged               If your hearing aid uses a waxguard,
                                 change it

  Defective hearing aid          Contact Audiology

  **Intermittent or popping      
  noises**                       

  **Possible cause**             **What to do**

  Low or defective battery       Change battery

  Defective hearing aid          Contact Audiology

  **Whistling or feedback**      

  **Possible cause**             **What to do**

  Volume is too high             Adjust volume to no more than 2/3 to 3/4
                                 on

  Earwax in ear canal Q-tips     Clean ears/contact Audiology for
  push earwax deeper in the      treatment •Do NOT use Q-tips. They push
  canal. Contact Audiology for   earwax deeper into the canal. •Do NOT
  treatment                      use anything smaller than your elbow in
                                 your ear.

  Defective hearing aid          Contact Audiology
  ------------------------------ ----------------------------------------

> Refer to pages 15 through 16 if you need to have your hearing aid(s)
> repaired.

**HEARING AID BATTERY ORDER FORM**

View Forms <http://www.va.gov/vaforms/va/pdf/VA2346.pdf>

Upon completion of above, mail to:

Department of Veterans Affairs

Denver Distribution Center (905A)

P.O. Box 25166

Denver, CO 80225-0166