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When you are issued with your hearing aid, be prepared to persevere until you can fit it properly. This is not always easy at first.

Inserting Earmoulds 

Even inserting the earmould can be tricky until you are used to it. Take your time and practice to make sure that it is correctly fitted in your ear. The commonest fault is failure to get the top point behind the ridge of skin – the aid may whistle and feel uncomfortable. A well fitting earmould is important for the aid to work well.

The bottom point  goes down the hole into the ear
The top point  fits under the ridge of skin at the top of the ear
The back curve  fits into the curve of the ear

To insert, hold the back curve (2) between the index finger and thumb. The bottom point (3) should be below the back curve (2). Keeping your hand in a steady position, with the top point (1) up, take the earmould towards the back of the ear and push it in forwards. The hearing aid can then be lifted behind the ear.

The earmould should fit firmly in the ear. If you are unhappy with the fit, contact the Audiology Department at St Mary’s Hospital or your private dispenser and ask for a small adjustment to be made.

Give yourself time to get used to hearing again, especially the background noise, which will seem very loud.

Tell people that you are wearing a hearing aid and that it will be easier for you if they speak a little more slowly and look at you when they speak. There is no need for them to raise their voice now that you have a hearing aid.

Learn to keep the ear mould clean, you will be told how to do this when it is fitted. If it gets blocked with earwax it will not work.

If you have any problems or queries your about National Health aid ring the Audiology Department at St Mary’s Hospital. If you have a private aid, go to your dispenser for advice.

Remember that a hearing aid in your handbag, your pocket or the top drawer will not help you to hear