caring for your behind-the-ear hearing aids

2
Caring for your behind-the-ear hearing aids Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, are a style of hearing instrument that consists of two main portions connected by a thin tube. The external piece sits on top of the ear connecting to the second piece by a thin tube running along the front of the ear. The second piece is a custom fit ear piece, called an ear mold, made with a silicone impression of your ear. The thin tubing that connects the external piece to the ear mold needs to be supple, soft, flexible, and without damage to properly conduct sound from the external piece to the ear. Over time, this tube will naturally become hard, brittle, and discolored. Cracks may even form in the tubing, causing a loss of sound. When this occurs, call your hearing healthcare professional for an appointment to replace with new tubing. In most cases, your tubing will need to be replaced every 3-6 months. However, if you notice any hardness or damage, contact your professional as soon as possible. Even slight damage to this portion can create major changes in the sound quality of your hearing instrument. The ear mold must also be kept clean and clear to have good sound quality. Wipe off the outside of the ear mold with a clean cloth. Keep the vent and sound opening free of debris and wax. Your hearing healthcare professional probably provided you with a small wire or plastic loop to remove wax from these openings. If absolutely necessary, the ear mold can be removed to be washed with warm water and soap. If washed, the ear mold must remain detached until fully dry. Do not remove your ear mold

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Page 1: Caring for your behind-the-ear hearing aids

Caring for your behind-the-ear hearing aids

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, are a

style of hearing instrument that consists of

two main portions connected by a thin tube.

The external piece sits on top of the ear

connecting to the second piece by a thin

tube running along the front of the ear. The

second piece is a custom fit ear piece, called

an ear mold, made with a silicone impression of your ear.

The thin tubing that connects the external piece to the ear mold

needs to be supple, soft, flexible, and without damage to properly

conduct sound from the external piece to the ear. Over time, this

tube will naturally become hard, brittle, and discolored. Cracks

may even form in the tubing, causing a loss of sound. When this

occurs, call your hearing healthcare professional for an

appointment to replace with new tubing. In most cases, your

tubing will need to be replaced every 3-6 months. However, if

you notice any hardness or damage, contact your professional as

soon as possible. Even slight damage to this portion can create

major changes in the sound quality of your hearing instrument.

The ear mold must also be kept clean and clear to have good

sound quality. Wipe off the outside of the ear mold with a clean

cloth. Keep the vent and sound opening free of debris and wax.

Your hearing healthcare professional probably provided you with

a small wire or plastic loop to remove wax from these openings.

If absolutely necessary, the ear mold can be removed to be

washed with warm water and soap. If washed, the ear mold must

remain detached until fully dry. Do not remove your ear mold

Page 2: Caring for your behind-the-ear hearing aids

without speaking with your provider first. A thin glue or cement

may be holding the ear mold tightly to the tubing. Depending on

your hearing aid, it may or may not be acceptable to remove this

piece on your own. Over time, your ear mold may also need

replacement. Your provider will advise you about when you may

need to come in for new ear impressions to make a replacement

ear mold.

Using a clean, dry cloth wipe down the outside of the external

portion that sits on top of the ear. This portion needs to be kept

clean and free of debris, especially near the microphone

openings. Ask your hearing healthcare professional to point out

the microphones at one of your visits. Dirt and other build up on

the microphone ports can cause poor sound quality or even the

appearance of a dead hearing aid. Never use water or

unapproved liquids on this portion of your aid. The hearing aid is

electronic and can be damaged easily by moisture.

If you ever uncertain, give your hearing healthcare professional a

call. They will be able to guide you through care and maintenance

of your specific hearing aid. Daily maintenance, however, will

help prevent repairs and can help to extend the life of your BTE

hearing aid!

For More Information, Call Hearing Aids Sarasota FL

At: (941) 677-1075

Or

Visit Us At:

http://hearing-aids-sarasota-fl.com