How to Put Hearing Aids: A Comprehensive Guide to Hearing Aid Insertion

Understanding how to properly insert your hearing aids is crucial to maximizing their effectiveness and ensuring comfort throughout the day. Whether you're a first-time user or someone looking to refine your technique, this guide will walk you through the steps and considerations necessary to make your hearing aids work perfectly for you.

Understanding Your Hearing Aid

Before diving into the insertion process, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different types of hearing aids and their components. Generally, hearing aids come in several styles:

• Behind-the-Ear (BTE): These sit behind or on top of the outer ear with tubing that routes sound down into your ear canal. They are often the choice for those with severe hearing loss because of their power.
• In-the-Ear (ITE): These fit completely inside the external ear and are generally visible. They suit mild to severe hearing loss.
• In-the-Canal (ITC) and Completely-in-Canal (CIC): ITC devices sit in the lower third of the external ear with minimal visibility, whereas CICs fit deeply inside the ear canal and are almost invisible.
• Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) or Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE): Similar to BTEs, but the speaker or receiver sits in the ear canal.

Each hearing aid style may require a slightly different insertion technique, and understanding the specific components of your hearing aid aids in a smooth insertion process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Insertion

1. Preparing for Insertion

Clean Your Hands and Ears:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent introducing dirt or bacteria into your ears.
• Make sure your ears are clean. Use a damp cloth or specialist ear cleaning solution if necessary, but avoid using cotton swabs inside the ear canal.

Inspect Your Hearing Aids:

• Check for any visible signs of damage such as cracks in the casing or problems with tubing (for BTE models).
• Ensure the battery compartment is closed properly and the device is switched on.
• For rechargeable models, ensure the batteries are fully charged.

2. Inserting Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

Steps:

1. Hold the Hearing Aid: Grasp the hearing aid by the casing (not the tubing) with your thumb and index finger.
2. Place Behind the Ear: Hang the device over the top of your ear so it rests comfortably behind it.
3. Insert the Earmold: Gently guide the earmold into your ear canal opening. Push it in using a twisting motion until it sits snugly. Avoid using too much force to prevent injury.
4. Adjust the Tubing: Ensure the tubing is not kinked or bent and lies as flat as possible against the ear.

3. Inserting In-the-Ear (ITE) and In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids

Steps:

1. Hold the Device: Use your thumb and index finger to hold the casing.
2. Locate Your Canal: With your opposite hand, gently pull the top of your ear slightly upwards and backwards. This maneuver straightens the ear canal, making insertion easier.
3. Insert the Device: Push the hearing aid into your ear canal, aligning it with the natural contour of your ear. It should fit snugly.
4. Check for Discomfort: Ensure the device doesn't cause irritation. It should be comfortable and not press against any part of your ear too firmly.

4. Inserting Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) or Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE) Hearing Aids

Steps:

1. Hold the Receiver: Firmly grasp the receiver end (the part that is inserted into the ear canal).
2. Positioning: Place the over-the-ear part first, then gently insert the receiver into the ear canal.
3. Adjustment: Make sure the thin wire follows the natural contour of your ear, and the receiver is snug.

Ensuring Proper Fit and Comfort

Perform a Listening Check:

• Speak or play sounds in your environment to assess if the hearing aids amplify correctly.
• If the sound is distorted, try reinserting the device or consult an audiologist.

Daily Comfort Check:

• Assess if the hearing aids feel comfortable for extended wear.
• Adjust the position slightly if discomfort occurs; however, if irritation persists, seek professional advice.

Feedback and Whistling:

• Whistling often indicates that the hearing aid isn't fitting well. Ensure a snug but not too tight fit.

Maintenance and Care

Daily Routine:

• Remove hearing aids when bathing or swimming to avoid water damage.
• Clean the hearing aids using a soft, dry cloth daily. Remove earwax or dirt build-up especially from vents and sound openings.

Storage:

• Store hearing aids in a dry, cool place when not in use. Use a hearing aid dehumidifier if necessary.

Battery Management:

• Replace batteries every 5 to 14 days depending on usage and hearing aid model.
• If rechargeable, ensure consistent charging times according to manufacturer recommendations.

Common Issues and Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if my hearing aid doesn't fit comfortably?

• Custom earmolds may need refitting. Consult with your hearing care provider for adjustments.

Q: What should I do if my hearing aid isn't producing sound?

• Check if it's switched on, verify that the battery is charged, and confirm that tubing isn't blocked.

Q: How can I reduce feedback or whistling?

• Reinsert your hearing aid properly to ensure it's snug, or consult a professional for adjustment if feedback persists.

Q: Can I wear my hearing aids during physical activity?

• Yes, but consider moisture-wicking headgear to protect from sweat and occasional check-ins to confirm they're secured.

External Resources

Explore additional online resources and connect with audiologists for personalized advice. Trusted organizations like the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) offer in-depth guides and community support.

Overall, it’s essential to follow these guidelines closely to ensure you’re comfortable with the insertion process. Experiment with what feels most natural and seek professional advice whenever necessary to fine-tune your hearing aid experience. Discovering the intricacies of your hearing aids empowers you to hear the world clearly and enjoyably, leading to a better quality of life.