How do I put in my hearing aids? Learning how to put in your hearing instruments can take some practice. It may seem like it should not be that hard, but everyone learns at a different pace. In time you will master the insertion of your hearing instrument. First time users may find it helpful to start when sitting at a counter top, table, or another soft surface to prevent the hearing instrument(s) from falling on a hard floor surface. Avoid areas where the aid could fall on tile, porcelain, or marble.
For an in-the-ear (ITE) product:
Stand in front of a mirror to see what you are doing, but only if necessary.
Check to make sure the color on the hearing instrument matches the appropriate ear. Red is for the right ear and blue is for the left ear. Color indicators vary in size.
Line up the hearing instrument to the ear with the long canal portion closest to the ear.
Rotate the aid slightly forward and insert the canal portion of the hearing instrument into your ear canal.
Turn the aid slightly downward, toward the back of your head, to make it fit into place.
For a behind-the-ear (BTE) product:
First insert the ear mold following the steps above.
Next, slide the hearing instrument over the back of your ear. The tube that connects the two pieces should rest comfortably on the side of the head.
How do I take out my hearing aid(s)?
Pull on the top of the ear slightly to break the seal of the aid.
Grasp the ITE hearing instrument or ear mold of the BTE and rotate it forward (toward your nose) as you gently pull it out from the ear.
With time you will be a pro at taking your aids in and out! You may not even realize you are doing it. For most people it becomes second nature with practice. If you have manual dexterity issues, let your provider know as soon as possible. Please contact your hearing healthcare professional if you continue to have difficulty with hearing aid insertion and removal.
