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Your Simple Guide: How to Put in a Hearing Aid

Taking the first step with new hearing aids is an exciting moment. You’re ready to experience the full sounds of life again! To make the adjustemtn easy, we've prepared guides on how to correctly put in your hearing aid.

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At Amplifon, we believe the process of wearing a hearing aid should be effortless. This simple, step-by-step guide from our trusted hearing care professionals will show you how to put your hearing aids in correctly and securely, regardless of the style you choose.

We're here to provide the ongoing care and expert guidance that ensures your new hearing aids integrate seamlessly into your daily life.

The key to proper use is always to ensure the device is comfortable and positioned correctly to deliver the best sound quality.

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We're here to help.

We take the time to understand your hearing health and the impact it’s having on your life and the people closest to you. With approximately 350 Amplifon clinics we can ensure that we can support you when you need us most. Whether you need a FREE hearing test, or a hearing aid adjustment, our audiologists will provide you with expert, professional advice.

Step-by-Step: How to Insert Any Hearing Aid

While the precise steps vary between Behind-The-Ear (BTE), Receiver-In-Canal (RIC), and In-The-Ear (ITE) models, the basic technique remains the same.

How to insert a hearing aid in the ear?

Before you even touch your new hearing aids, always wash your hands thoroughly. Once your hands are clean and dry, hold the hearing aid firmly over your ear with the index finger and thumb, and then guide the sound piece (dome or earmould) into the ear canal.

Ensure you work over a soft surface, like a towel, just in case the device slips out of your hand. New rechargeable hearing aids can be slippery at first!

Here is the general method for getting any style into place:

1. Identify the Side

Hearing aids are custom-made for the left and right ear. Look for coloured markings—usually red for the right ear and blue for the left ear.

2. Position the Device

Hold the hearing aid over your ear. If it's a BTE or RIC model, the main unit sits behind the ear. If it’s an ITE model, the device fits entirely into the ear canal bowl.

3. Insert the Sound Piece

Gently push the dome or custom-moulded shell into your ear canal until it feels snug and comfortable.

4. Secure the Shell/Unit

For ITE models, press the shell firmly into the outer ear bowl (concha). For BTE/RIC models, tuck the main unit securely behind the top of your ear.

5. Check for Feedback

If you hear a high-pitched whistling or feedback, the device may not be fully inserted or your volume may be too high. Gently adjust the position until the feedback stops.
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Inserting Behind-The-Ear (BTE) and Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids

BTE and RIC styles are the most common and often use a small plastic dome or a thin tube.

How to put a behind the ear hearing aid?

To put in a BTE or RIC hearing aid, first place the main casing over the top of your ear, securing it so it sits naturally behind the ear. Next, guide the dome or earmould attached to the thin wire or tube into your ear canal, gently wiggling it until the wire/tube lies flat against your cheek.

This two-step process separates the placement of the battery/processing unit from the speaker component (the dome or mould).

Here are the details for the two main components:

1. Placing the Main Unit

  • Hold the hearing aid unit between your thumb and index finger.
  • Slide the unit up and over the top of your ear, positioning it directly behind your ear.
  • It should sit comfortably against your head, where it's discreet and stable.

2. Securing the Dome or Mould

  • Take the speaker wire or tube in the other hand.
  • Use your opposite hand to gently pull your earlobe down and back. This opens the ear canal slightly.
  • Push the dome or mould tip into the ear canal until the wire or tube rests flat against the side of your face.
  • If your device has a thin plastic "retention line" or "lock," push that lightly into the lower bowl of your ear to secure the fit further.

It should feel secure without causing any pressure or pain. If it feels loose or painful, consult your hearing care professional at your local Amplifon clinic.

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Our experts use their experience and the latest technologies to understand your hearing issues and recommend the best solution tailored to your needs.

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Inserting In-The-Ear (ITE) and Custom Hearing Aids

ITE, ITC (In-The-Canal), and IIC (Invisible-In-Canal) hearing aids are custom-moulded and sit entirely inside the ear.

How to put in a hearing aid with mould?

When dealing with a custom shell or a hearing aid with a mould, hold the device with the battery door facing outwards and the narrow tip pointing toward your ear canal. Gently rotate the device slightly backwards (toward the back of your head) as you push the tip in, ensuring the natural curves of the device align perfectly with the contours of your ear bowl. Custom-made devices often have a specific way they slot in.

Here’s the trick to getting that perfect, comfortable fit:

1. Hold and Orient

Hold the custom shell between your thumb and index finger. The smooth, concave part should be facing outward.

2. Start Insertion

Point the narrowest part of the shell into your ear canal.

3. Rotate to Lock

As you push it inward, rotate the shell backwards until it clicks or rests fully within the ear bowl.

4. Feel for Comfort

You should be able to feel the natural shape of the shell resting snugly against your ear. If you can feel a gap or it feels unstable, try slightly rotating it again to find the “sweet spot.”

Test your hearing ability

Would like to get advice on your overall hearing health? Take a free hearing test in one of our Amplifon clinics with one of our hearing care specialists.

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Troubleshooting for your new hearing aids

These are some common issues new users face and the simple expert solutions.

What should I do if the hearing aid whistles or gives feedback?

A whistling sound, or feedback, usually means the device isn't sealed correctly in the ear or something is too close to the microphone. Gently reinsert the dome or mould to ensure a complete seal. If the whistling persists, try turning the volume down slightly or clean the dome/mould, as wax build-up can block the sound path.

If re-insertion and cleaning don’t solve the problem, the mould may not fit correctly anymore. It’s time to book a check-up with your Amplifon expert.

How do I know if the hearing aid is in the ear correctly?

You will know the hearing aid is in the ear correctly when it is fully seated, feels secure and comfortable, and provides clear sound without whistling or undue pressure. For BTE/RIC models, the wire or tube should not stick out, and for ITE models, the faceplate should be nearly flush with your ear opening.

This is a great moment to practice using your device's features. When correctly seated, you should be able to enjoy the full sound quality that your latest technology offers.

Why choose Amplifon for your hearing health journey?

Choosing the right best hearing aids is only half the battle; knowing how to manage and care for them is the other. At Amplifon, we combine trusted expertise with a lifelong service commitment—this is the Amplifon Way.

We understand that you are looking for effective, fast solutions. That's why we focus on: 

Why Amplifon?

Effortless Adoption

Effortless Adoption

Our hearing care professionals provide personalised, one-on-one guidance to ensure you master insertion and removal techniques before you leave the clinic, giving you confidence from day one.

Advanced Technology

Best-in-Class Technology

We offer a portfolio of hearing aids that feature cutting-edge technology like AI and advanced noise reduction, ensuring you always have access to the optimal solution for your lifestyle.

Ongoing Support

Ongoing Support

Our commitment means you have access to adjustments, checks, and professional cleaning for the life of your device—giving you the peace of mind that your technology will always perform at its best.

Ready to find your perfect hearing solution? There’s no better way to test the simplicity and effectiveness of a modern hearing aid than to try it yourself.

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Book Your Free Trial Today

Experience the difference that superior expertise and a world-leading approach to hearing care can make in your life. Start a free trial as a risk-free way to discover how hearing aids could benefit you.

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