A hearing aid is an electronic device designed to amplify sound, thereby improving hearing ability and quality of life. Achieving the full benefit depends heavily on correct and gentle insertion into the ear. Improper placement can lead to discomfort, acoustic feedback, or reduced sound quality. This guide provides practical, step-by-step instructions to ensure your device is seated properly every time.
Identifying Your Hearing Aid Type
Before attempting insertion, identify the style of your hearing device, as the placement technique varies significantly between models. The two primary categories are Behind-the-Ear (BTE), which includes Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) styles, and In-the-Ear (ITE) devices. BTE devices have a main body that rests behind the outer ear, connected to a slim tube or wire that goes into the ear canal. ITE devices, along with smaller ITC and CIC models, are self-contained units that sit entirely within the bowl or opening of the ear.
Insertion Techniques for Behind-the-Ear Devices
Proper placement of a Behind-the-Ear device begins with identifying the correct side, often indicated by color coding (red for the right ear and blue for the left). Hold the component that enters the ear canal—either a soft dome or a custom-molded earpiece—between your thumb and forefinger. Gently guide this piece into the ear canal opening, following the natural curve of the passage.
Once the tip is inside, use a slight rotating motion to push the component past the first bend of the canal until it feels secure and comfortable. If your device has a thin plastic anchor or “tail,” tuck this into the lower bowl of the outer ear to prevent the earpiece from slipping out. This anchor acts as a stabilizer, ensuring the receiver remains correctly positioned within the canal.
Next, focus on the main body of the hearing aid, which contains the microphone and processing unit. Place this unit directly behind the upper part of the ear, ensuring it rests snugly against the head. Avoid twisting or sharply bending the connecting wire or tube, as this can damage internal components or affect sound transmission. The device should feel secure without causing pressure or rubbing against the skin.
Insertion Techniques for In-the-Ear Devices
Inserting an In-the-Ear device requires identifying its proper orientation before placement, often guided by the same red/blue color indicators used on BTE models. Hold the device by its faceplate or the small removal cord, which is designed to help retrieve the aid. Avoid holding the aid by the end that enters the ear canal, as this can transfer oils and debris.
Position the device at the opening of the ear canal and gently begin to press it inward while slightly rotating the unit toward the back of the head. This rotational movement is necessary to navigate the natural anatomical curve of the ear canal. The goal is to seat the hearing aid so that its faceplate rests flush with the opening of the ear.
If you encounter resistance, do not force the device, as this can cause discomfort or injury to the delicate ear canal lining. A gentle wiggle or a slight adjustment to the angle is usually enough to guide the aid past the tighter sections. The device should feel stable and sealed once fully inserted.
Checking for Proper Fit and Sound Quality
After successfully placing the hearing aid, verify the fit and function, beginning with a comfort check. The device should feel snug and secure, yet comfortable enough to wear for many hours without causing sharp pain, pinching, or undue pressure points. A properly fitted device should be nearly unnoticeable shortly after insertion.
Follow the comfort check with a visual inspection, often best performed using a mirror or by feeling around the ear. For BTE devices, confirm the main body is tucked securely behind the ear and the dome or mold is fully seated, with the connecting wire lying flat against the head. ITE devices should appear flush with the opening of the ear, with no visible gaps around the edges.
The final check is the auditory assessment, which involves turning the device on and listening for acoustic feedback, commonly known as whistling. This high-pitched sound occurs when amplified sound leaks out of the ear canal and is picked up again by the hearing aid’s microphone, creating a loop. Whistling is a clear indicator that the seal is compromised or the fit is too loose.
If feedback is heard, gently push the device deeper or adjust its angle to create a better acoustic seal within the canal. If the whistling persists after one or two minor adjustments, the device should be removed and reinserted completely, paying close attention to seating it firmly. Maintaining a proper seal is paramount for achieving the intended amplification without irritating noise.