How to use and wear your hearing aids
Learn how to effectively use and wear your hearing aids. This guide covers insertion, removal, turning them on and off, resetting, restarting, and adjusting the volume.
Published 11/26/2024,
Updated 8/12/2026
Reviewed by
HearUSA editorial team
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Inserting hearing aids
How to insert hearing aids
General tips
- Always wash your hands before handling your hearing aids to protect against dirt and bacteria.
- Make sure the battery has been properly charged (for rechargeable hearing aids) or replaced as needed (for non-rechargeable hearing aids), and the hearing aids are turned on.
- Look for the red and blue markers on your hearing aids to differentiate between the right and left devices — red indicates right, blue indicates left.
- In front of a mirror, gently pull your earlobe down to straighten the ear canal, and slowly insert the hearing aid.
-
If you feel any pain or discomfort while inserting your hearing aids, stop and contact your hearing care provider.
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How to insert Behind-the-ear hearing aids - video instruction
Before putting on your behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, take off eyeglasses or any items that might be behind your ear.
- Hold the hearing aid securely at the top using your thumb and index finger.
- Similar to putting on glasses, gently place the hearing aid over the top of your ear and position it behind your ear. The thin plastic tube and dome will be resting in front of your ear.
- Grasp the dome with your fingers and guide it into your ear canal. You can use your index finger to lightly press it into place, making small circular motions if needed.
If you’re using a custom earmold, pulling down on your earlobe while inserting can help ensure a secure fit.
The dome is properly in place when the tube along the top of your ear lies flush against your skin and is nearly invisible.
- Once everything is set correctly, you should not see the hearing aid when looking at yourself directly in the mirror.
Watch the video to learn how to insert Behind-the-ear and Receiver-in-canal hearing aids.
How to insert In-the-ear hearing aids - video instruction
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are customized to your unique ear shape and are designed to fit securely in the canal and the bowl of your ear.
- Hold your hearing aid gently between your thumb and index finger, with battery compartment facing outward.
- Carefully position the canal tip of the hearing aid at the entrance to your ear canal.
- Gently twist the device until the top portion (the helix) fits snugly into your outer ear.
- When positioned correctly, the hearing aid should sit securely in the bowl of your ear, providing a comfortable and reliable fit.
Watch the video to learn how to insert In-the-ear hearing aids.
How to insert Receiver-in-canal hearing aids - video instruction
Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids are very similar to BTEs, except that the thin plastic tube on the BTE is replaced by a wire on an RIC.
Before putting on your RIC hearing aids, take off eyeglasses or any items that might be behind your ear.
- Hold the hearing aid securely at the top using your thumb and index finger.
- Similar to putting on glasses, gently place the hearing aid over the top of your ear and position it behind your ear. The wire and dome will be resting in front of your ear.
- Grasp the dome with your fingers and guide it into your ear canal. You can use your index finger to lightly press it into place, making small circular motions if needed.
If you’re using a custom earmold, pulling down on your earlobe while inserting can help achieve a secure fit.
The dome is properly in place when the wire along the top of your ear lies flush against your skin and is nearly invisible.
- Once everything is set correctly, you should not see the hearing aid when looking at yourself directly in the mirror.
Watch the video to learn how to insert Behind-the-ear and Receiver-in-canal hearing aids.
Taking off hearing aids
How to take off your hearing aids
General tips
- Wash your hands to prevent dirt, oil, and bacteria from getting on your hearing aids and in your ears.
- Be gentle when pulling out the hearing aid receiver from your ear.
- If you have Behind-the-ear (BTE) or Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids, move the portion from behind your ear to the front of your ear first.
Then grasp the ear mold or umbrella inside your ear with your thumb and finger.
- If you have In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids, place your thumb behind your earlobe and slowly push your ear upwards to slide the hearing aid out of the ear canal.
A chewing movement may help to loosen the hearing aid.
Once it appears you can grasp and remove it. If your hearing aids have a pull-out thread, gently pull it out with your thumb and first finger.
- If you have Behind-the-ear (BTE) or Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids, move the portion from behind your ear to the front of your ear first.
- Avoid pulling on the tubing or wire. This can damage your hearing aid.
Important Reminders
- Always remove your hearing aids before showering or swimming.
- Dry your hearing aids immediately with a soft cloth if they get wet.
- Do not expose your hearing aids to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight when they are not in your ears.
- Always remove your hearing aids before showering or swimming.
How to take off Behind-the-ear and Receiver-in-canal hearing aids - video instruction
Watch the video to learn how to take off Behind-the-ear and Receiver-in-canal hearing aids.
How to take off In-the-ear hearing aids - video instruction
Watch the video to learn how to take off In-the-ear hearing aids.
Turning hearing aids on and off
How to turn your hearing aids on and off
How to turn your hearing aids ON
- For hearing aid models that require battery changes: Most hearing aids will turn on simply by closing the battery door after replacing the battery, or by pressing the power button.
- For rechargeable hearing aid models: Simply remove them from the charger, or press the power button.
How to turn your hearing aids OFF
- For hearing aid models that require battery changes: Open the battery door, or press the power button.
- For rechargeable hearing aid models: Place them in the charging case, or press the power button.
Keep in mind
- Turning hearing aids on and off may vary by model.
- Always refer to the instructions and steps in your user manual.
- Your hearing care specialist can also help you if you have questions.
How to turn Behind-the-ear and Receiver-in-canal hearing aids on and off - video instruction
Watch the video to learn how to turn Behind-the-ear and Receiver-in-canal hearing aids on and off.
Resetting and restarting hearing aids
How to reset and restart your hearing aids
If you need to reset or restart your hearing aids, you can start with a simple fix by opening and closing the battery door.
For rechargeable hearing aids, placing them in their charger for one to two minutes before removing them may do the trick.
If these steps don't resolve the problem, try the following reset methods:
Hearing aids with replaceable batteries
- Open the battery doors.
- Remove the batteries.
- Wait approximately 30 seconds.
- Reinsert the batteries.
- Close the battery doors to complete the reset.
Using the reset button on the device
- Locate the reset button on your hearing aid.
- Press and hold the button for five seconds.
- Listen for a beep or look for a flashing light to confirm the reset is complete.
Resetting with a remote control
- Open the battery compartments on your hearing aids.
- On the remote control, press and hold all three buttons simultaneously for five seconds.
- Wait until the LED indicator glows green.
- Close the battery compartments to finalize the reset process.
Resetting Bluetooth
- Go to the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone or through your hearing aid app to disconnect and reconnect.
Always refer to your hearing aids' manual for information on resetting your devices, as resetting instructions may vary by brand.
For hearing aid issues that don't resolve after a reset, contact your hearing care specialist.
Adjusting the hearing aids volume
How to adjust hearing aid volume
When it comes to adjusting the volume on your hearing aids, there are several ways to do it quickly and discreetly.
Whether you prefer to do it directly on the device or from a smartphone app in the palm of your hand, it's never been easier or faster to find your perfect listening level.
Whether you prefer to do it directly on the device or from a smartphone app in the palm of your hand, it's never been easier or faster to find your perfect listening level.
- 1.
Hearing Aid Buttons
- Most hearing aids have buttons for quick, easy volume control.
- Press the button to increase or decrease the volume.
- Most hearing aids have buttons for quick, easy volume control.
- 2.
Smartphone App
- Most modern hearing aids connect to a smartphone app, which allows you to easily and discreetly change settings, like the volume.
- Use your hearing aid instruction manual for information about your hearing aids' specific app, including downloading it and connecting your devices. You can also talk with your hearing care specialist if you have questions.
- Once connected, you can use the app to adjust volume, frequency, and other settings anytime, anywhere.
- Most modern hearing aids connect to a smartphone app, which allows you to easily and discreetly change settings, like the volume.
- 3.
Remote Control
- Some hearing aids come with a remote control, which allows you to adjust the volume.
- Keep your remote in a safe place so you'll always know where it is.
- Some hearing aids come with a remote control, which allows you to adjust the volume.
- 4.
Starting Point
- The starting point is going to be set by your HCP. This starting spot is going to based off of the hearing test, verification, and patient comfort.
- From the starting point, you will have the option to increase or decrease the volume depending on the needs of the situation.
- Gradually increase it until you achieve a comfortable listening experience.
- If you're using a smartphone app, you may be able to create settings for different listening environments. This will give you a more seamless experience with your hearing aids.