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.

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

·          USER GUIDE – “Behind-the-Ear” Models

·          USER GUIDE – “In-the-Ear” Models

To view any of the sections below, simply click on the links and you will be taken directly to that section:

·          Diagrams of the parts on your hearing aid

o        Completely in the canal (CIC)

o        Micro-canal (MC)

o        In-the-Canal (ITC)

o        In-the-Canal – Directional (ITC-D)

o        Half Shell (HS)

o        Half Shell – Directional (HS-D)

o        In-the-Ear (ITE)

o        In-the-Ear – Directional (ITE-D)

o        Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

o        Behind-the-Ear (BTE-D)

·          Important tips for the care of your hearing aid

·          Changing the battery 

·          Using the telephone

• Cleaning the wax guard on a custom aid
• Trouble Shooting Guide

Important tips for the proper care for your hearing aid

·          Keep the hearing aid in a safe place, out of the reach of pets and small children

·          Remove the battery. Use a clean dry cloth to wipe the battery and hearing aid

·          When inserting or removing the battery, always work over a table or countertop to keep the aid and battery from dropping on the floor

·          Use a soft brush to clean difficult - to - reach areas

·          Do not drop the hearing aid

·          Do not expose to moisture or immerse in water

·          Remove aid before bathing

·          Avoid severe cold temperatures

·          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

·          Avoid wearing your hearing aid while applying hair spray

·          Always remove the aid while undergoing short wave diathermy or other electrical treatment

·          Consult your physician 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.

*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.

Cleaning the wax 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. To maximize your listening experience, your hearing aid may have a cerumen barrier system designed to protect your aid from excessive cerumen buildup. To ensure your aid functions properly, the cerumen barrier system requires regular cleaning. HEARING Life recommends that you clean your hearing aid(s) in the morning.

This gives the cerumen that may accumulate on the hearing aid a chance to dry overnight and allows it to be easily brushed away. To clean the cerumen barrier system, first brush away the cerumen from the shield/door while it is still closed. Next, rotate the door open by placing your finger on top of the door and gently pushing it to the side. Do not attempt to lift or pull up on the door as this will damage or break the door. Hold the hearing aid so that the opening faces the floor, ensuring that cerumen does not fall into the hearing aid while cleaning. Take a brush and remove the cerumen or other particles built up on the underside of the door. Finally, lightly brush the area around the door.

After cleaning, close the door. Make sure the door is properly aligned with the base before inserting the aid back into your ear. If the hearing aid has a different type of wax and moisture system, consult your Hearing Care Professional for cleaning instructions.