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VISN 12 - North Chicago VA Medical Center

Warranty Clinic Hours

Batteries for
Eligible Outpatients


Trouble Shooting
Guide

Hearing Aid
Eligibility


Speechreading -
What Friends & Family
Can Do To Help


Communication
Strategies for the
Hearing Impaired


Suggestions for
Improving Memory

Audiology and Speech Pathology

Warranty Clinic Hours

Please take advantage of our Warranty Clinic to report hearing aid problems and have simple questions answered.  The audiologist will be able to spend only 5-10 minutes per patient.  Patients will be seen as time allows, in order of arrival, and the type of problem.  Please DO NOT attempt to "Walk-In" at other times, as there are scheduled patients and we will not be able to service you.  Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the end of the clinic hours.  (Due to staffing and time constraints, time may only allow us to help only 2-3 patients.  This is not considered a scheduled appointment).  We ask that you CALL THE DAY YOU WISH TO COME TO IN (by 7:15am) to make sure time is available and we have not had to cancel the clinic.  This will save you time.  IF YOU DO NOT CALL AHEAD YOU MAY NOT BE SEEN.  Our phone number is (847) 688-1900 EXT. 83759 - or 224-610-3759.

You will be notified to report to the Pre-registration desk at the time you arrive only if it is necessary that you update your MEANS TEST, (financial information).  This must be done before you can be seen.  Thank you for your cooperation.

DAY                 TIME

MONDAY         10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
                       2:00 PM -   3:00 PM

TUESDAY        10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
                      2:00 PM -   3:00 PM

WEDNESDAY   10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
                      2:00 PM -   3:00 PM

THURSDAY      10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
                       2:00 PM -  3:00 PM

FRIDAY          10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
                      1:00 PM -   2:00 PM

ATTENTION ALL VETERANS USING THE AUDIOLOGY WARRANTY CLINIC:

If you are subject to co-payments for your VA care, there will be a $50 Charge if your visit is for:

Removal of ear wax
Making an impression of the ear for:
   a.  a new hearing aid or
   b.  a hearing aid that is being replaced because loss or damage

There are no charges for repairs, fittings, or adjustments to hearing aids when this is done during a warranty clinic.

If you have questions about whether or not your visit will be billed, please discuss this with the Audiology staff prior to beginning your appointment.

Thank you.

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BATTERIES FOR ELIGIBLE OUTPATIENTS

When you have only eight batteries left, it is time to order more.  You can order your hearing aid batteries by doing one of the following:

  1. Complete a "Veteran's Request for Hearing Aid Batteries" form.  Put a stamp on it and mail it.  You will receive your batteries in approximately 7 to 10 days.  An order card is sent with each shipment of batteries.
     
  2. E-mail the Denver Distribution Center (DDC):
    dalc.css@mail.va.gov
     
  3. If you do not have a re-order card or access to a computer, please call the Audiology Clinic at (224) 610-3759 and we can mail a card to your home address.
     

The information you will need when ordering batteries for you aids will be:

MAKE______________________________

MODEL_____________________________

SERIAL NUMBER L ___________________

SERIAL NUMBER R ___________________

NUMBER OF HOURS PER
DAY YOU WEAR YOUR AID(s)___________

BATTERY SIZE________________________

ACCESSORIES________________________

 

  • If you swallow a battery, contact your physician or call 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 you are placing it 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.
     

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

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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 cloth or paper towel, wipe off wax or use wax remover tool
Waxguard plugged If your hearing aid uses a waxguard, change it
Defective hearing aid Contact Audiology

 

Intermittant 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

 

Contact Audiology or earwax Removal Clinic in Primary Care for treatment

Clean ears/contact Audiology for treatment

 

DO NOT use Q-tips.  They push earwax deeper into the canal.                                   

Defective hearing aid Contact Audiology

 

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