How to Put In Hearing Aids
For people experiencing hearing loss, hearing aids can offer a valuable solution for regaining their sense of hearing. However, getting used to wearing hearing aids can take some time and practice. One of the most important steps to this process is learning how to properly put in your hearing aids, which can sometimes be tricky. In this article, we will guide you through the process of putting in hearing aids, step by step.
Step 1: Get Prepared
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need to put in your hearing aids. You will need your hearing aids, of course, as well as a mirror, a soft tissue or cloth, and perhaps some lubricating drops if recommended by your audiologist. Wash your hands and make sure they are dry before handling your hearing aids.
Step 2: Identify Your Hearing Aids
If you have two hearing aids, it’s important to be able to differentiate between them. Make sure that you know which ear each hearing aid goes into, and that you’re holding the correct one before you begin to insert it. Most hearing aids have a different color on the right and left side to help with identification.
Step 3: Open Your Ear Canal
Using one hand, take the top of your ear and gently pull it upwards and outwards to help straighten your ear canal. If you are having trouble, try using your other hand to hold the mirror at an angle so that you can see your ear more clearly.
Step 4: Insert Your Hearing Aid
With your other hand, hold the hearing aid and gently insert it into your ear canal. Make sure you insert it in the right position, as recommended by your audiologist. You might feel a slight resistance, but don’t force it in. If your hearing aid feels painful, it might not be inserted correctly, or you may need to use lubricating drops.
Step 5: Check the Fit
Once your hearing aid is in place, check that it feels secure and comfortable. You may notice an immediate improvement in your ability to hear. If your hearing aid feels loose, try repositioning it or checking that it’s the right size for your ear.
Step 6: Repeat
Repeat the process for your other ear if you have two hearing aids. Remember to wash your hands and keep your hearing aids clean by wiping them with a soft tissue or cloth. If you continue to experience any discomfort or difficulties with your hearing aids, contact your audiologist for further help and advice.
Putting in hearing aids can seem daunting at first, but with practice, it will become second nature. Remember to take the time to get familiar with your hearing aids and to be patient and gentle with yourself during the learning process. We hope this guide has helped you in learning the steps to putting in hearing aids so that you can enjoy the benefits that come with improved hearing.
Prepare for Insertion
The first step to successfully inserting your hearing aids is to prepare yourself and your surroundings. Before handling your hearing aids, make sure your hands are clean and dry. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and dry them with a clean towel. Moisture or dirt on your hands can damage your hearing aids, so it’s important to keep them clean and dry.
Next, ensure that you have all the necessary equipment ready, including your hearing aids and any accessories that you may need. This might include hearing aid batteries, a wax removal tool, a cleaning brush, or a protective case for your hearing aids.
If it’s your first time inserting your hearing aids, or if you’re having trouble with the process, it can be helpful to practice in a quiet, well-lit room. This will help you get familiar with the process and feel more comfortable using your hearing aids.
Once you’ve prepared yourself and your surroundings, it’s time to move on to the next step: inserting your hearing aids.
Insert the Hearing Aid
Putting in hearing aids can be overwhelming for first-time users. However, there’s nothing to worry about. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to put in your hearing aids and ensure they’re comfortable and secure.
Step 1: Clean your hands and hearing aids
Before inserting your hearing aids, ensure that both your ears and hands are clean and dry. Clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them. Additionally, ensure your hearing aids are clean by wiping them with a dry, clean cloth. Clean your hearing aids every day before use to prolong their lifespan.
Step 2: Hold the hearing aids with the correct hand
Each ear has its hearing aid, usually marked with a color-coded indicator. For instance, the left ear may have a blue node, while the right ear has a red node. Hold the device with the correct hand to avoid inserting it in the wrong ear. When holding the hearing aid, ensure that the speaker faces the ear canal.
Step 3: Gently insert the hearing aid
Align the hearing aid with your ear canal cautiously, with the speaker facing the ear canal opening. Gradually push the hearing aid into your ear canal until it fits comfortably and securely. Avoid forceful insertion as it may cause discomfort or pain. Additionally, ensure that the earpiece tip is appropriately sized for your ear to prevent discomfort or any damage.
Step 4: Adjust the hearing aid as needed
Once you’ve inserted the hearing aid, adjust it as needed for optimal hearing. Some hearing aids come with volume controls or automatic programming to adjust the sound. However, if your hearing aid doesn’t have automatic programming, adjust the volume level to avoid harming your ears.
Taking good care of your hearing aids is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. Replace the batteries regularly and clean the devices appropriately. If you experience any discomfort, pain, or the hearing aid produces whistling sounds, visit your audiologist for assistance.
In conclusion, inserting hearing aids is an easy process that needs proper handling and caution. With these simple steps, you can put in your hearing aids without any difficulty, ensuring that they remain comfortable and secure all day long.
Check the Fit
Proper fit is an essential aspect of utilizing and enjoying your hearing aid. Not only does it improve the performance of the device, but it also ensures your hearing aid is comfortable and stays in place. Checking the fit of your hearing aid is a crucial step in ensuring its functionality and effectiveness. Here are some simple steps to follow:
Try Different Sizes
Hearing aids come in different sizes and shapes, and each person’s ears are unique. To find the right fit, you may need to experiment with different types of earbuds or earmolds that come with your device. Trying various sizes and styles will allow you to determine the most comfortable option that fits snugly without being too tight or too loose.
Use a Mirror
Using a mirror when putting in your hearing aid can be helpful. Start by holding the device over your ear with the earbud or earmold angled slightly towards your ear canal. Then, slowly push the hearing aid into your ear canal while looking in the mirror. It is important not to force the device, as this can cause discomfort or even damage the ear.
Listen for Feedback
Feedback occurs when sound from a hearing aid is picked up by the microphone and then re-amplified, resulting in a high-pitched noise or whistle. Checking the fit of your device can help prevent feedback. To check for feedback, hold your hand over the hearing aid or cup your ear with your hand. This will help you block out external noise and allow you to listen for any changes in sound quality.
Ensure It Stays in Place
Once your hearing aid is in your ear, make sure it stays in place. Give your head a gentle shake or nod to see if the device moves or falls out. If it does, you may need to adjust the earbud or earmold to ensure a secure fit. If you find that the device continues to slip out of your ear, it may be too loose and need to be refitted or replaced.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure your hearing aid fits well and is comfortable to wear. Remember that hearing aids can take some time to adjust to, so be patient, and give yourself time to get used to them. With the right fit and proper maintenance, hearing aids can significantly improve your hearing and overall quality of life.
Troubleshooting
Even though hearing aids have undergone significant advancements in technology, the devices can still experience issues that impaired users may find challenging to fix. Thank goodness hearing healthcare professionals are there to help. Below are some common problems hearing aid wearers encounter when inserting or adjusting their devices, and some solutions to these problems:
Discomfort or Pain
If you experience discomfort or pain in your ears when wearing your hearing aids, the first thing you should do is remove the devices. Inspect them for any clogs or debris that might cause discomfort, and ensure that they are correctly positioned in your ears. If the pain persists, consult with your hearing healthcare provider. They can examine your ears to ensure that they are in healthy condition and align the devices appropriately to your ear canal.
Weak or No Sound
If you’re not getting sufficient volume from your hearing aids, the battery may be running low, or the device may have a clog in its tubing. If the battery is dead, replace it with a new one. Suppose the tubing is clogged. In that case, you can remove it from the device and clean it with a small brush or wire to unclog the tubes. Before wearing them again, ensure that the tubes are reattached appropriately.
Feedback or Whistling
Feedback is a high-pitched sound or whistle that signifies when sound from the hearing aid leaks into its microphone or microphones. Several things can cause feedback, including a poorly fitting hearing aid, incorrect insertion, or a broken or damaged device. Check that the hearing aids are placed correctly in the ear and that the volume is not on max level. Suppose feedback continues to happen, contact your audiologist or hearing healthcare provider. They can assess the issue and adjust the device’s fitting or other settings to resolve the problem.
Difficulty with Battery Replacement
Not every hearing aid requires a battery replacement. However, if your device does, some people may find it challenging to replace the battery due to the small size. The best thing to do is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for inserting a new battery and check the battery’s polarity. If it continues to pose an issue, ask your audiologist or hearing healthcare provider for a demonstration of the process. They may provide you with a tool to aid in changing the battery more comfortably.
Persistent Feedback
If a hearing aid continues to produce feedback, despite a proper fitting or adjustments by your hearing healthcare provider, the device may have a technical fault. They may also be a sign that your hearing has significantly changed since the fitting of the hearing aids. In either case, contact your hearing healthcare provider as soon as possible, as this type of issue requires technical support or a hearing re-evaluation.
It’s important not to try and fix hearing aid problems yourself. Always consult your hearing healthcare provider. They have the proper training and equipment to troubleshoot and resolve hearing aid problems. A skilled hearing care professional will provide guidance when it comes to taking care of your hearing aids and can help ensure your device’s longevity and proper performance.
