This page contains some basic tips on the use, care, and maintenance of your hearing aid. With proper use and maintenance, your hearing aid will enhance your vital communication links with the world around you.

User GuidesTouch User Guide

For more detailed descriptions and tips we have also included the following downloadable resources:- 

Diagrams of the parts on your hearing aid

Important tips for the care of your hearing aid

Important tips for the proper care for your hearing aid

  1. Keep the hearing aid in a safe place, out of the reach of pets and small children
  2. Remove the battery.
  3. Use a clean dry cloth to wipe the battery and hearing aid
  4. When inserting or removing the battery, always work over a table or countertop to keep the aid and battery from dropping on the floor
  5. Use a soft brush to clean difficult - to - reach areas
  6. Do not drop the hearing aid
  7. Do not expose to moisture or immerse in water
  8. Remove aid before bathing
  9. Avoid severe cold temperatures
  10. Avoid direct and excessive heat. Do not leave your aid exposed to the sun, in a hot car, or near radiators or heaters. Also, remove your aid while sitting under a hair dryer
  11. Avoid wearing your hearing aid while applying hair spray
  12. Always remove the aid while undergoing short wave diathermy or other electrical treatment
  13. Consult your Hearing Care Professional if excessive earwax, skin irritation, or a foreign object prevents you from wearing your hearing aid
     

Changing the battery

Remove the colored tab from the zinc air battery before inserting it into the hearing aid. Insert the battery so the “+” sign on the battery matches the “+” sign imprinted on the battery door. To ensure that the battery is working properly, close the battery compartment. Cup your hand around the hearing aid. A whistling or squealing sound indicates that the battery is working properly.
 
Below is a table designed to help you determine when you should change the batteries in your hearing aid. The exact battery life you experience may differ from the information below.

HEARING AID MODEL
BATTERY TYPE
BATTERY LIFE(HOURS)
CHANGE BATTERY EVERY*
Open Fit
#10
71 hours
5-6 days
Receiver-in-Canal #10 71 hours 5-6 days
Behind-the-Ear

#13

 144 hours 12 days
  #675 196 hours + 16+ days
CIC
#10
88 hours
5–6 days
MC
#10
88 hours
5–6 days
ITC
#10
71 hours
5–6 days
 
#312
133 hours
11 days
HS
#312
100 hours
8 days
ITE
#312
100 hours
8 days
 
#13
196 hours
16 days

 *Approximate number of days assuming 12 hours of wear time per day

 

Using the telephone

 
If your hearing aid has a Telephone Use option, it has a telephone program. For telephone use, move the switch to the telephone position. Refer to the diagrams on pages 2 - 3. Then place the telephone handset lightly against your ear, being careful not to cover your ear completely. Adjust the telephone handset slightly up and/or back to find the position that gives the best sound.
 
For devices without the Telephone Use option, select the program that is best for you when using the phone. Then position the phone lightly against your ear as described above. 
 

The NoWax guard on a Custom Aid

Cerumen, or earwax, is a natural product of your ear canal. When you wear your hearing aid, the sound channel comes in contact with cerumen. Over time, the cerumen may build up and completely cover the sound channel, causing the hearing aid to perform poorly.

Hearing aids feature wax guards to protect the hearing aid from earwax. Wax guards can either be replaced by you or by your hearing care professional. Ask your hearing care professional which wax guard your hearing aid uses. Your hearing care professional will also instruct you on the proper cleaning of the system.

Download an instruction guide on NoWax here