Learn How to Put In and Remove Your Hearing Aids

Understanding Your Hearing Aid Components

Before you can put in or remove your hearing aids, you need to understand the parts that make up these small but complex devices. Modern hearing aids typically consist of several key components working together to amplify sound and deliver it to your ear canal.

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The microphone picks up sounds from your environment. This is usually located on the outer part of the hearing aid. The amplifier processes the sound and makes it louder based on your specific hearing loss pattern. The receiver (or speaker) delivers the amplified sound into your ear canal. The battery powers the entire device, and depending on your model, may last anywhere from three to seven days. The casing or shell holds everything together and comes in various shapes and sizes.

Hearing aids come in several styles. Behind-the-ear (BTE) models sit behind your ear with a thin tube running down into your ear canal. In-the-ear (ITE) models fit inside your ear but are still visible from the side. Completely-in-canal (CIC) devices are very small and fit deep inside your ear canal, making them nearly invisible to others. Receiver-in-canal (RIC) models are similar to BTE but smaller, with the speaker component sitting inside your ear canal.

You'll also need to know about the battery compartment door, the on/off switch (found on some models), and the volume control wheel if your device has manual adjustment features. Some modern hearing aids don't have physical controls at all and are managed through smartphone apps instead.

Practical takeaway: Take time to identify each part of your hearing aid. Run your fingers over it to get a sense of where the battery door is, where any controls are located, and which end goes into your ear. Familiarizing yourself with the physical layout makes insertion and removal much easier and reduces the chance of damaging your device.

Preparing Your Hands and Environment for Insertion

Putting in hearing aids requires a steady hand and good visibility. Before you begin, take steps to set yourself up for success. Start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them completely. Moisture on your hands can damage hearing aids and make them slippery and harder to control.

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Choose a well-lit location where you can work comfortably. Natural light near a window is ideal, or position yourself under a bright lamp. Many people find it helpful to sit at a table or counter rather than standing, as this gives you a stable position and makes it easier to pick up the hearing aid if you drop it. Some people place a towel on the table in front of them as a cushion—if you do drop a hearing aid, it's much less likely to be damaged falling onto a soft towel than onto a hard floor.

Have a mirror available so you can see what you're doing. A handheld mirror works fine, but some people prefer to position themselves in front of a bathroom or bedroom mirror. The mirror helps you see your ear canal opening and the position of the hearing aid as you insert it. Some people also keep a small case or container nearby where they can immediately place their hearing aids once removed, preventing loss or damage.

If you wear eyeglasses or contacts, wear them during this process. Good vision is important for seeing the small components of your hearing aid and for inserting them correctly. Consider keeping your fingernails trimmed to a reasonable length. Long nails can make it harder to grip small hearing aids and can scratch your ear canal.

Temperature can affect hearing aid performance. Avoid inserting hearing aids when your hands are extremely cold, as this can reduce your dexterity and control. If your hands are cold, warm them up under warm (not hot) running water first.

Practical takeaway: Before you ever touch your hearing aid, set up your physical space properly. Create a ritual: wash and dry your hands, sit in a well-lit spot, have your mirror ready, and clear away any clutter. When you approach hearing aid insertion with preparation rather than rushing, the process becomes safer and more manageable.

Step-by-Step Insertion Instructions

The actual process of inserting a hearing aid varies slightly depending on the style you wear, but the basic principles apply to all types. For behind-the-ear or receiver-in-canal models, start by holding the hearing aid in your dominant hand (the hand you write with). With your other hand, use your index finger or thumb to gently pull your outer ear upward and backward. This straightens your ear canal and makes insertion easier.

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Look in your mirror and position the hearing aid so the earpiece or receiver is aligned with your ear canal opening. Slowly insert the device at a slight angle, following the natural curve of your ear canal. Don't force it. The hearing aid should slide in smoothly. Once the main body is positioned, you can release your ear and let it return to its normal position. The hearing aid should feel snug but not uncomfortable. If it doesn't feel right, remove it and try again rather than pushing harder.

For in-the-ear or completely-in-canal models, the insertion process is similar but the device goes in deeper. Again, pull your outer ear upward and backward to straighten the canal. Hold the hearing aid between your thumb and index finger and insert it slowly into the canal. You'll feel when it's fully seated—it should go in about as deep as feels comfortable. The outer shell should fit snugly in your ear without protruding noticeably. Some in-the-ear models have a small handle or vent that makes them easier to grip during insertion.

Once inserted, check that the hearing aid is secure by gently tugging on it. If it's in correctly, it won't come out with gentle pulling. If it slides out easily, it may not be inserted far enough or at the right angle. After insertion, you may hear a brief whistling sound as the hearing aid powers on and the microphone starts picking up sound. This usually stops once the hearing aid is fully seated in your ear.

If you have hearing aids for both ears, insert one ear at a time rather than trying to manage both simultaneously. This reduces confusion and makes the process more manageable. Mark your hearing aids to distinguish left from right—many hearing aids have color-coded markings or dots to help with this.

Practical takeaway: Practice the motion slowly and deliberately. Pull your ear back and up, insert at a slight angle, and let the hearing aid slide in smoothly. Don't force anything. Once inserted, the device should feel snug but not painful. If insertion doesn't feel right, remove and try again rather than continuing to adjust it in your ear.

Troubleshooting Common Insertion Problems

Even with practice, you may encounter situations where your hearing aids don't insert smoothly or feel uncomfortable. One common problem is that the hearing aid makes a whistling feedback sound. This typically means the device isn't inserted deeply enough or at the correct angle. Remove it, reposition your ear, and try inserting it again with a slightly deeper angle.

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Another frequent issue is that the hearing aid feels uncomfortable or causes pressure in your ear canal. This could mean it's inserted too deep or at an incorrect angle. Try removing it and reinserting at a slightly shallower depth. Comfort usually improves as you get more practice—your ear needs time to adjust to having something in the canal. However, if discomfort persists or your skin becomes irritated, contact your hearing aid provider to discuss possible adjustments.

Some people have difficulty gripping small hearing aids. If you have arthritis, tremors, or reduced dexterity in your hands, ask your hearing aid provider about devices with larger batteries or built-in handles that make them easier to manipulate. There are also magnetic insertion tools available that can help you hold and position a hearing aid without gripping it directly.

Cerumen (earwax) buildup can make insertion difficult and can block the receiver. If you notice that your hearing aid seems harder to insert than usual or isn't amplifying sound properly, earwax may be the culprit. Gently clean the exterior of your hearing aid with a dry cloth, and consider asking your doctor about earwax management. Never insert objects into your ear canal to clean it yourself.

If your hearing aid gets stuck during insertion, don't panic and don't force it. Stop immediately, relax, and try to remove it gently. If you truly can't remove it, contact your hearing aid provider or visit an urgent care facility. Forcing a stuck hearing aid can damage both the device and your ear.

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