How to Put On Your RIC Hearing Aids
Putting on a new hearing aid feels awkward the first few times — that is completely normal. Follow these steps and it will become second nature within a week.
Step 1: Find out which one goes in which ear
Each hearing aid has been programmed for one specific ear. A small colored marker tells you which is which:
- Red (or the letter R) = your right ear
- Blue (or the letter L) = your left ear
An easy way to remember it: Red is Right. Both words start with R.
Step 2: Check the shape before you start
If your ear pieces are Sleeves, the bend of the Sleeve should curve the same way as the bend of the thin wire (the receiver cable). If it is twisted the wrong way, it will not sit comfortably.
Step 3: Put the hearing aid in
It is usually easiest to put the right hearing aid in with your right hand, and the left one with your left hand.
Hold the thin wire at the bend closest to the ear piece.
Carefully push the ear piece into your ear canal and twist it slightly until it sits well.
Open and close your mouth while you do this. It helps release trapped air in the ear canal.
Lift the hearing aid and slide it over the top of your ear so the body rests behind your ear.
If the ear piece won't go in
Use your other hand to gently pull your earlobe downward. This opens up the ear canal and the ear piece slides in far more easily.
Step 4: Check it looks right
During your first week, give yourself five minutes a day to practice in front of a mirror. Once it is in, the body of the hearing aid should sit flat behind your ear and the wire should follow the curve of your ear without sticking out.
If you are not sure it is seated correctly, ask a family member to look — or take a photo of your ear with your phone and check it yourself.
How to take them out
Lift the hearing aid and slide it over the top of your ear.
Grip the receiver in your ear canal with two fingers and pull it carefully out. If you have a custom mold, pull the small removal cord toward the back of your head.
Please be careful
- Never pull on the thin wire to remove your hearing aid. Grip the receiver itself.
- Always wear the receiver cable with an ear piece attached, and make sure the ear piece is completely attached before inserting.
- Insert the ear piece carefully and not too deeply.
- In very rare cases an ear piece can stay behind in your ear. If that happens, do not dig for it — have it removed by a medical professional.
If you have a retention strand
Some ear pieces use a thin curved wire called a retention strand, which helps hold the ear piece securely. To attach it, line the end of the strand up with the flat end of the receiver and press until it clicks. Once the hearing aid is in your ear, bend the strand and tuck it into the bottom bowl of your ear, where it sits out of sight.
Need a hand? Call the Tech Support Line
(800) 350-6093Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM EST. They can walk you through app setup, pairing, charging and everyday troubleshooting.
Still stuck? Call our office at (808) 435-7002. We're always happy to help.
