The experience of hearing aids slipping out can be frustrating, affecting both comfort and the ability to hear optimally. A secure fit is necessary for preventing loss or damage and ensuring sound waves are directed correctly into the ear canal without acoustic feedback or whistling. This common issue is often fixable, stemming from device mechanics, the unique environment of the ear, or insertion technique. Understanding the precise reasons for slippage is the first step toward achieving all-day retention.
Issues Related to Device Size and Style
The physical design and component sizing of the hearing aid are frequent factors in device retention. Retention issues often involve the ear dome or ear mold, the part that sits inside the ear canal. If a dome is too small, it lacks the friction needed to hold the receiver in place. Conversely, a dome that is too large may be difficult to insert completely and gradually work its way out. Custom ear molds, shaped to the exact contours of the ear canal, can become loose if the initial impression was incorrect or if the mold material has degraded.
The style of the hearing aid also contributes to stability issues. For Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) or Behind-the-Ear (BTE) devices, the tubing or wire connecting the receiver to the main body must be correctly sized. Incorrectly sized tubing can exert an outward pull on the earpiece, causing dislodgement. Furthermore, some ear anatomies, such as small or unusually shaped canals, do not provide enough surface area for a secure fit, leading to instability. A device that feels too heavy or bulky for the user’s ear can also pull away from the proper seating position.
Biological and Environmental Causes
The internal environment of the ear and external factors play a significant role in hearing aid retention. Excessive earwax, or cerumen, is a primary biological culprit because it creates a barrier between the device and the ear canal wall. A substantial buildup of cerumen interferes with the grip of the dome or ear mold and can actively push the hearing aid out of the canal. This accumulation compromises the device’s ability to sit flush within the ear, leading to a loose fit.
Jaw movements, such as talking, chewing, or yawning, dynamically change the geometry of the ear canal. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located close to the ear canal, and its movement causes the canal walls to flex and shift. This continuous motion can gradually push the hearing aid out, a phenomenon often described as the device “walking itself out.”
Moisture and sweat also reduce the friction needed to keep the device secure, especially in warm or humid environments or during physical activity. The presence of moisture makes the smooth plastic or silicone surfaces slippery, allowing the device to slide out more easily. Additionally, natural changes in ear canal shape over time, which can occur due to weight fluctuations or the aging process, may cause a previously well-fitting device to become loose.
Practical Steps for Secure Insertion and Retention
Achieving a secure fit begins with mastering the correct insertion technique. Users should gently pull the outer ear upward and backward to straighten the ear canal. This allows the dome or ear mold to be guided fully into the canal, following its natural curve. The device should sit snugly and comfortably, without causing pain or discomfort. A mirror can be useful initially to confirm proper seating. For BTE and RIC styles, ensure the main body is properly tucked behind the ear, with the tubing or wire lying flat against the skin without tension.
Daily maintenance routines are necessary to preserve a secure fit. The hearing aid should be wiped down nightly with a soft, dry cloth to remove oils, debris, and moisture that accumulate throughout the day. Regularly inspecting and cleaning the dome or mold for wax buildup with the provided tools prevents cerumen from interfering with the fit. For devices exposed to significant humidity or sweat, using a hearing aid dehumidifier or drying kit overnight helps remove internal moisture that contributes to slippage and potential damage.
If slippage persists, specialized retention accessories can provide additional security. Small silicone pieces known as sport locks or retention filaments attach to the hearing aid and loop into the bowl of the ear, providing an anchor to resist outward movement. For active users, clips or cords that attach the hearing aid to clothing offer a failsafe against accidental drops, though they do not prevent the initial slippage. If all self-adjustments fail, consulting an audiologist is the appropriate next step for professional help. They can inspect the ear for excessive cerumen that requires professional removal, adjust the length of the tubing, or take a new impression for a refitted custom ear mold.