In the ear hearing aids have a slightly different shape for each wearer, making them difficult to insert or remove for some. In this article, you will learn how to insert and remove in the ear hearing aids more easily.
The easiest way to learn how to insert and remove in-the-ear hearing aids is to have the in-the-ear hearing aid already in place and remove it first. If you have pulled the device out by a nylon thread or are holding it whole in your hand, you will notice that the in-the-ear hearing aid is tilted forward about 45°.
In the ear itself, the hearing aid should sit vertically. Here you can orient yourself by the battery door of the hearing aid. However, the vertical alignment will not work if you start with it directly in your hand, because you will perform an approx. 45° rotation when bringing your hand up to your ear. Therefore, you must start already when the hearing aid is rotated beforehand.
To do this, turn the hearing aid with the upper edge in the direction of your index finger. Then you will get the optimal angle when you insert it. Often your ear canal is somewhat narrowed when your mouth is closed. Open your mouth wide when inserting the hearing aid so that it can slide into your ear more easily. It often helps to massage the device a little.
Some people have the problem that their wrists cannot be positioned flexibly enough to insert the in-the-ear hearing aid with two fingers. it is therefore often easier to push the hearing aid into the ear canal with just the thumb. The prerequisite is the previously described optimal angle of the positioning of the hearing aid. Here below you can find a summarized list of how to insert ITE hearing aids.
- Take the in the hearing aid or the nylon thread oft it and place it vertically between your thumb and index finger. Use the battery case for orientation.
- Turn the upper part of the in the ear hearing aid in direction of your index finger.
- Place the hearing aid in your ear canal.
- Open your mouth very wide. This makes the insertion process oftentimes a little easier.
- Massage in the hearing aid.
How to Remove In The Ear Hearing Aids
If you want to take out the in-ear device there are two ways. You can either grab the complete in-ear hearing aid yourself with your thumb and index finger and pull it out. Or you can grab a small nylon thread with your thumb and index finger, which is especially used for in-the-ear hearing aids that disappear completely into the ear canal.
Make supporting chewing movements when you remove in-the-ear hearing aids. These movements of the jaw loosen the hearing aid and make it easier for you to remove it.
What if You Can’t Insert or Remove the Hearing Aid Properly?
Hearing aids can be highly customized. For example, if you are too motor impaired, it is possible to make the shape of the in-ear hearing aid slightly larger so that you can grab it more easily.
Even if the hearing aid is relatively small, for example, support could be added to the lower part of your auricle, making it easier to grasp. This support can be made in the same color as your in-the-ear hearing aid or in transparent plastic with the outer shell of the in-ear hearing aid.
It is important to talk to your hearing care professional about the insertion and removal issues. He can assist with his experience and advice.
Rest, Time and Constant Practice Inserting and Removing the Hearing Aids Lead To Success
In my daily work as a hearing care professional, I have many older clients who are testing hearing aids in their ears for the first time. The patience and willingness to practice inserting and removing the hearing aids are often not there. Here it is important that the hearing care professional and the family environment provide motivation and encourage the hearing aid user to practice.
Ask the in-the-ear hearing aid wearer if it is really clear why the hearing aid needs to be held at one angle or another to get it on or off correctly. If the steps are clear, it works much better. It should be practiced in a quiet place and take your time.
It must be clear to the hearing aid user that, especially with limited motor skills, a few more days may pass before the hearing aid can be used quickly. A little patience is also required here. With one in the ear hearing aid wearer, the insertion and removal work directly after the first or second time while with another person sometimes the hearing aid acoustician must be visited again to instruct the hearing aid wearer or to change the technique of insertion or removal.
The important thing is: if it takes longer for you or your family member, keep at it. If after about two weeks it becomes apparent that the handling is still too complicated, change to other hearing aids. This way, the wearer of the hearing aids will not get frustrated.
Very few in-the-ear hearing aids can be inserted and removed exclusively by the hearing care professional. This includes the Lyric from Phonak, which is not made to be taken out every evening. It simply remains for several weeks directly deep in the auditory canal. But this type of in-the-ear hearing aid is the exception. Normally, you should be able to insert and remove an in-the-ear hearing aid on your own.