Getting your first pair of hearing aids is a big moment! Having these devices in your hands means you’ve taken the steps necessary for your hearing health. Sound clarity awaits you, and you’re excited to participate in conversations again without feeling anxious about your hearing. Now that you’ve taken the first important steps, it’s time to make sure your hearing aids fit well so they’re comfortable and suit your needs.
This article explores how hearing aids should fit and explains how to place them correctly. For personalized advice, contact our team at Tweak Hearing today.
How Should Hearing Aids Fit?
Hearing aids are designed to fit snugly in your ear. They should feel comfortable and secure, allowing you to wear them throughout the day without discomfort or irritation.
With behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, the hook should fit snugly yet comfortably over the ear. The tubing needs to be long enough to fit the earpiece (also called the earmold, or dome) in the ear canal. The length of the tubing is vital because if it’s too short or incorrect for your ear in any way, it won’t fit comfortably and won’t enhance your hearing as much as it could.
If your hearing aids were customized for you, the earpieces will be tailored to your ear’s unique shape. If you have two hearing aids, your left earpiece may be different to your right. This is because no two ear canals are exactly alike, even on the same person!
When you first begin wearing hearing aids, they may feel slightly uncomfortable until you get used to them. This adjustment period is completely normal, as your ears and brain need time to adjust to the new sensations. However, if you’ve been wearing your hearing aids for a while and they begin to feel uncomfortable, it’s important to make an appointment with your audiologist. They may need to make adjustments, clean them, or even re-make the earpiece.
How to Hold a Hearing Aid
Hearing aids are small, intricate devices that may take some time to get used to. This applies to how you hold, handle, and place them as well as how they feel! As they’re made with sensitive electronics, they can be damaged easily so it’s crucial to know how to handle them.
To hold a hearing aid with care, ensure you:
- Have clean hands— To prevent transferring dirt, oils, and germs from your hands onto your hearing aid.
- Use a soft surface— Such as a soft, clean cloth or tissue on a flat surface so that it’s soft, clean, and easier to work from.
- Use both hands— Wherever possible, use both hands to hold the hearing aid to reduce the risk of dropping or squeezing it.
- Don’t touch the microphone or speaker— These components are sensitive and can be damaged easily.
- Are gentle— When using any controls such as the volume or other programs to avoid breakage.
How to Place a Hearing Aid in Your Ear Safety
Learning how to place a hearing aid in your ear takes practice, time, and patience, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few attempts. Many people find it helpful to practice in a mirror so they can watch how they put them in and take them out. As you do this you’ll begin to recognize what feels ‘right’ and be able to get used to the process.
For a hearing aid to fit, feel, and perform as well as possible, ensuring you place it in your ear correctly is key. Doing so gives your hearing aid the best sound quality it can have, and helps it to function well for as long as possible.
Ensure you hold your hearing aid correctly and prepare your space as above. Then, to place your BTE hearing aid:
- Position the earhook over your ear, ensuring it matches the contour of your ear.
- Insert the earpiece, carefully guiding it into your ear canal. Hold the hearing aid in place behind your ear.
- Adjust the ear hook and tubing and ensure there are no kinks. If you need to you can make adjustments for a better fit, but be sure not to pull or push on your ear.
- Turn the hearing aid on and adjust the volume as needed. Start at a low setting and gradually increase it if necessary.
- Listen for any unusual sounds or feedback. If you notice any problems, consult with your audiologist.
- Make sure it’s secure, sitting snugly behind your ear and not coming loose.
- If you have a mirror or mirrored surface, check that it’s sitting correctly and that the tubing and earpiece are in place.
Explore a World Filled with Sounds
If you’re experiencing hearing difficulties, our team at Tweak Hearing is here to help. With years of experience and a passion for helping people hear as well as possible, we’re dedicated to your hearing health as much as you are. To experience the Tweak difference, contact us or browse our products today.