How to insert hearing aids

Are you the proud owner of a new set of hearing aids? This is the beginning of the journey to better hearing, yet only 30% of adults who could benefit from hearing aids actually use them. Figuring out how to insert hearing aids is a challenge for new hearing aid wearers, so if you’re new to the hearing aid game, here’s what you need to know.

Your brand/model of hearing aid likely already comes with hearing aid insertion instructions, but many new users still have difficulties. Depending on the style of hearing aid, there are varying ways to insert your hearing aid in the ear canal. Let’s go through the step-by-step instructions for inserting each type of hearing aid.

A RIC hearing aid (or RTE) is almost invisible. Here’s how to put a hearing aid in your ear:

• Step One – Remove any eyeglasses and hold the top of the hearing aid between your index finger and thumb.
• Step Two – Slide the hearing aid behind and over the top of your ear as if putting on a pair of eyeglasses.
• Step Three – Using your thumb and index finger, take the dome and push it inside your ear canal. Apply slight pressure to the dome and use small, circular motions to push it in further. There shouldn’t be any pain or discomfort.
• Step Four – Once the wire at the top of the ear has disappeared and is lying against your head, the dome has been properly placed.
• Step Five – Tuck the wire into the bowl of your ear using your index finger and thumb. Over time, this step will get easier as the wire adapts to the curve of your ear.

Check your ear in the mirror. If you’re looking straight at the mirror, your hearing aid shouldn’t be visible.

BTE hearing aids are the largest and most powerful of hearing aid styles. Knowing how to put in a hearing aid when using the BTE style is much the same as inserting a RIC hearing aid. Follow the instructions above for how to insert a hearing aid. The only difference is that the wire of a RIC hearing aid is replaced by a thin plastic tube. Pay special attention to avoid kinking the tube when placing both the dome and earmold into your ear. Bending and damaging the tube in this manner compromises your hearing experience.

ITE hearing aids are customized according to the size and shape of your ear. They sit in the canal and the bowl of your ear. The insertion process for ITE hearing aids is the same, but the removal process may differ depending on the brand and the model.

• Step One – Begin by holding the ITE hearing aid between your index finger and thumb. The battery door of the hearing aid should be facing outward.
• Step Two – Take the canal part of your ITE aid and insert it into the canal.
• Step Three – Twist the top part, or helix, of the hearing aid until it fits comfortably in the outer ear.

ITE hearing aids are becoming increasingly popular because inserting them is so easy. As long as the hearing aid fits securely, you’ve fitted it correctly. The biggest mistake people make is inserting it the wrong way.

IIC hearing aids are also customized according to your ear. These are the smallest hearing aid styles available and are designed to be invisible to enhance discretion. For this reason, knowing how to put a hearing aid in when it’s in the IIC style isn’t immediately obvious. Inserting a hearing aid starts with identifying the top and bottom parts of the hearing aid. Most manufacturers place a dot at the top of the hearing aid. If not, look for a vent. The vent typically indicates the bottom.

• Step One – Find the removal filament and top dot. Hold it between your index finger and thumb.
• Step Two – Place the IIC hearing aid inside the ear canal. Use your index finger to push it further into the canal. Since it’s already customized to the canal, it should fit in easily. If you’re having trouble figuring out how to put in hearing aids, apply light pressure and move your finger in small circles to achieve the correct alignment.
• Step Three – Check to see if your hearing aid is properly inserted in the mirror. It should be totally invisible. If inserted correctly, the removal string will be hanging out of your ear canal.

Knowing how to insert hearing aids quickly and efficiently delivers a superior hearing experience. It can take a few weeks to get used to the process, but manufacturers have made it as simple as possible to insert and remove your hearing aids easily. Learn more about how a hearing aid could change your life with EarPros. To schedule your free consultation, contact EarPros today.

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