Q&A

Subject: Inserting hearing aids

From: LT

Dear Hearing Center, I need step by step directions on how to insert a hearing aid (also caring for it) for my elderly grandmother. If you have anything typed up already it would be appreciated.
Thank you, LT

Dear LT,

First determine which hearing aid goes in which ear. There usually a little red dot on the right aid and a blue dot on the left. Sometimes the serial number has an R or L in it somewhere to tell this. Notice the direction the ear canal takes, and put the hearing aid in so that you don't have to twist it after it's partly in. Pull on the outer ear to stretch it and make it easier to insert the aid, if necessary.

If your grandmother complains about the hearing aid hurting, check her ears for wax. It can get hard and really make it difficult to get the hearing aid in. If there is wax in the ear, get her doctor to take it out.

Care for hearing aids can be pretty easy. In general, they should not get wet. Avoid excessive heat. Try not to drop them. Remove the aids before using hair spray. The batteries should be removed before storing the hearing aids.

The battery goes in a swinging door in most aids which will close easily if the battery is inserted properly. Putting the battery in upside down usually prevents the door from closing easily. NEVER FORCE ANYTHING!! You can test the battery by turning the volume control up while holding the hearing aid in your hand. It should whistle. Turn the volume down before inserting the aid in the ear.

Clean the aid by wiping with a dry tissue to remove wax and oils. Check the hole where sound comes out.. it should be clear of wax. Wax can be removed with a special wire loop which came with the aid or by using the eye of a needle. Insert the cleaning tool into the sound port, TURN THE AID UPSIDE DOWN, rotate the tool and pull it out in such a way that any material dislodged will fall DOWN... not back into the aid itself.

Someplace on the hearing aid will be the manufacturer's name. Call the 1-800 information line and request the number for that manufacturer. Call the manufacturer and request a user booklet. That booklet will describe care and use of that particular model. In general, the hearing aid should fit comfortably and not make any squealing or whistling when set at a comfortable volume. If your grandmother cannot get enough volume without getting that squealing noise, then the aid does not fit properly or was not inserted properly. If the hearing aid has switches, "M" is the proper setting for listening. "T" refers to telephone settings (turns off the mike so you can have full volume without whistling").

Check our page on communicating with seniors on our web site, for more information.

If you have specific questions, let me know.
Good luck!!
Solveig