How to insert your hearing aids

Properly inserting your hearing aids is essential for achieving the best sound quality, comfort, and performance. Regardless of the type of hearing aid you use, there are a few universal steps that can help ensure a secure and comfortable fit:

1. Start with clean, dry hands to avoid transferring moisture or debris to the device.
2.  Hold the hearing aid gently and identify the left and right devices, most are color-coded (red for right, blue for left).
3. Position the device at the entrance of your ear, aligning it with the natural shape of your ear canal.
4. Insert the hearing aid slowly and carefully, using a gentle twisting motion if needed, until it feels snug but not forced.
5. Check for comfort and stability, the device should stay in place when you move your head or talk, without causing pressure or irritation.

While the exact technique varies depending on your specific model, these general steps apply to most hearing aids. For model-specific instructions, the following step-by-step guides will help you insert your devices with confidence.

BTE hearing aids consist of a main device that rests behind the ear and a custom earmold or dome that fits inside the ear canal. Proper insertion ensures optimal sound quality, comfort, and device stability.

• Identify the left and right devices: Each hearing aid is designed specifically for one ear.
  • Red markings indicate the right ear.
  • Blue markings indicate the left ear.
  • Check the color-coded markers on the device or the case before inserting.
• Wash and dry your hands: Before handling your hearing aids, make sure your hands are clean and dry.This helps prevent moisture or debris from entering the device and ensures a secure grip during insertion.
• Hold the earmold or dome: Gently hold the earmold (or dome, if your model uses one) between your thumb and forefinger. Avoid pulling on the tubing or the main body of the hearing aid, as this could damage the connection or affect the fit.

• Insert the earmold or dome into the ear canal: Position the earmold at the entrance of your ear canal. Use a gentle, twisting motion to guide it into place. Do not force it, if it doesn’t go in easily, remove it and try again with a slight adjustment in angle.The earmold should sit snugly in the ear canal and the outer part should align with the contours of your outer ear.
• Place the hearing aid behind your ear: Once the earmold is securely in place, lift the main body of the hearing aid, gently position it over the top of your ear so it rests comfortably behind it. The tubing should follow the natural curve of your ear without pulling or bending sharply.
• Check the fit and comfort: The hearing aid should feel secure but not tight and the tubing should lie flat against your head and not stick out. Move your head gently side to side, if the device shifts or feels loose, remove and reinsert it.
• Turn on and test the device: If your hearing aid has a manual switch, turn it on once it’s in place. Listen for feedback (whistling) or muffled sound, these may indicate improper insertion or a poor seal.

ITE hearing aids are custom-molded to fit entirely within the outer ear. Proper insertion is essential for clear sound, comfort, and secure placement.

1. Identify the left and right devices: Each ITE hearing aid is custom-made for one ear. Red markings indicate the right ear. Blue markings indicate the left ear. Check the color-coded markers on the device or the case before inserting.
2. Wash and dry your hands: Before handling your hearing aids, make sure your hands are clean and dry. This helps prevent moisture or debris from entering the device and ensures a secure grip during insertion.
3. Hold the hearing aid properly: Hold the device between your thumb and forefinger. Avoid pressing on the microphone or battery door while doing so.
4. Insert the hearing aid into your ear: Gently position the hearing aid at the entrance of your ear canal. Use a slow, twisting motion to guide it into place. Do not force it—if it doesn’t go in easily, remove it and try again with a slight angle adjustment. The device should sit flush with the outer ear and feel snug but not tight.
5. Check the fit and comfort: The hearing aid should feel secure and should not move when you talk or chew. If it feels loose or causes discomfort, remove and reinsert. If the fit continues to feel off, consult your audiologist.
6. Turn on and test the device: If your ITE hearing aid has a manual switch, turn it on once it’s in place. Listen for any feedback (whistling) or muffled sound—these may indicate improper insertion or a poor seal.

RIC hearing aids are lightweight and discreet, with a speaker (receiver) that sits directly in your ear canal, connected by a thin wire to the main unit behind your ear. Proper insertion is key to both comfort and sound quality.

• Match each device to the correct ear: RIC hearing aids are custom-fitted for each ear. Red markings indicate the right ear, and blue markings indicate the left. Always check the colour indicators on the hearing aid or the case before inserting—using the wrong side can affect both fit and performance.
• Clean hands, clear sound: Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your hearing aids. Clean hands help prevent oils or moisture from affecting the device or entering your ear canal, and ensure a better grip during insertion.
• Grip the receiver, not the wire: Hold the dome or earmold—the part that goes into your ear—between your thumb and forefinger. Avoid pulling on the thin wire, as it’s delicate and essential for transmitting sound from the main unit to your ear.

• Gently seat the receiver in the canal: Bring the dome to the entrance of your ear canal and use a gentle, circular motion to ease it into place. Do not force it—if it doesn’t go in easily, remove it and try again with a slight adjustment in angle. The dome should sit comfortably inside the canal without sticking out or causing pressure.

• Tuck the body behind your ear: Once the receiver is in place, guide the main part of the hearing aid over the top of your ear. The wire should follow the natural contour of your ear, lying flat against your skin without loops or tension.

• Confirm the fit: The hearing aid should feel stable and comfortable. Gently move your head side to side—if the dome shifts or the wire pulls, remove and reinsert. A proper fit means no pressure points, no irritation, and no movement during daily activities.

• Power on and listen: If your RIC model has a manual switch, turn it on once everything is in place. Listen carefully—if you hear whistling, muffled sounds, or distortion, the receiver may not be fully seated. Try reinserting or reach out to your hearing care professional for support.

Hearing aid insertion tools can be used for individuals who have limited dexterity, arthritis, or reduced finger strength. These tools are designed to make the process of inserting and removing hearing aids easier, safer, and more comfortable. Common insertion tools are:

• Insertion handles or grips: Small attachments that provide a better grip on the hearing aid, especially for in-the-ear (ITE) or completely-in-canal (CIC) models.
• Lubricant wipes or gels: Specially formulated, hearing-aid-safe lubricants can help the earmold or dome slide into the ear canal more easily.
• Custom insertion/removal tools: Some hearing care professionals may provide or recommend custom tools tailored to your specific hearing aid model and ear anatomy.

Always consult your hearing care provider before using any tool or product to ensure it’s compatible with your device and safe for your ears.

Even with practice, many users experience challenges when inserting their hearing aids. Here are some of the most common issues:

• Incorrect orientation:The hearing aid may not be aligned properly with the ear canal, leading to discomfort, poor sound quality, or feedback (whistling). To avoid this, use a mirror and check the left/right markings before inserting.
• Device feels loose or falls out: If the earmold or dome isn’t inserted deeply or securely enough, the device can shift or fall out during movement. Try reinserting it using a gentle twisting motion until it feels snug.
• Discomfort or pain: Inserting the device at the wrong angle or too forcefully can cause irritation or soreness in the ear canal. If this happens, remove it and try again slowly. If the discomfort continues, consult your provider.
• Tubing or wire misalignment (BTE/RIC models): When the tubing or wire doesn’t lie flat against the head, it can create visible wires, discomfort, or tension on the device. Adjust the position behind the ear and make sure the tubing is not twisted.
• Difficulty gripping small devices: Small hearing aids can be hard to handle, especially for those with dexterity issues. Using an insertion tool or choosing models designed for easier handling can help.
• Earwax blockage: Excess earwax can prevent proper insertion and affect sound quality. Keeping ears clean and scheduling regular check-ups with your hearing care professional is important.