A Guide to Cleaning Your Hearing Aids

Did you know?

If you purchased your hearing aids from San Francisco Hearing Center, there is no additional charge to get your hearing aids cleaned by a member of our team. To schedule an appointment call 415-346-6886 or book online.

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If hearing aids are not inserted correctly, they may fall out, hurt the ear, and not provide the benefit of amplification no matter how advanced your hearing aid is.

Custom hearing devices are molded to ears specifically. They are placed in your ears just like doing a jigsaw puzzle. Custom hearing aids fit securely because they don’t compete with glasses or the elastic face mask loops. The anatomy of a patient’s ear canal and the shape and length of the hearing aid canal portion need to be considered when building the hearing aid. A good fit will give both comfort and good sound quality to a patient.

The most popular style of hearing aid for 2021 is the Receiver-in-the ear style (RIC). This type of hearing aid consists of 2 parts. The tiny receiver that goes into the ear and the circuitry that is housed in a tiny case on top of the ear. Some hearing aids are equipped with retention lines to hold the receivers in place while other hearing aids have custom micro-molds to mount the receivers for more precise insertion. Since there is less mass and more venting in the ear canal, the Receiver-in-the-ear style is more comfortable and natural sounding for all day use.

Here is a simplified version of how to insert a RIC hearing aid.

1. Place the hearing aid behind the top of the ear, where the handles of glasses go. Let the earwire rest comfortably against the ear, close to your head. Note: Right aid (has a red label for right) use right hand. Left aid (has a blue label for left) use left hand.
2. Insert the ear-tip or custom-mold into the ear canal while holding the earwire against the ear. Then tuck the retention line to the bottom bowl part of the ear.
3. Run your finger along the earwire and gently push towards your nose to ensure it is seatly properly.

Watch this instructional video for more help.

Don’t attempt to put hearing aids in on your own without in-person instruction first. Stop and contact an audiologist if the hearing aid doesn’t fit properly or causes discomfort, irritation, or redness.

This should be explained in person, with an audiologist guiding a patient through this until it can be done independently. No matter what style the hearing aids is, a professional that knows your ear and your hearing is important for a successful fitting and happy hearing. An audiologist is the best person to help with this process.

by Alice Leung, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

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There are many resources written about the best hearing aid on the market. These sources range from consumer reports, customer reviews, and manufacturer rankings. This article will provide the reader with trusted information on how to determine what is the best hearing aid in 2022.

Which hearing instrument manufacturer is best?

There are many hearing aid manufacturers, but the 5 leading manufacturers of hearing aids worldwide are Widex, Oticon, Phonak, GN Resound, and Starkey.  Each manufacturer offers cutting edge hearing aids at various levels of technology. Each brand and technology level offers different features.

Get the latest technology.

Today’s hearing aids are more like mini-computers than megaphones, and recent advancements have led to increased patient satisfaction and better outcomes. Our audiologists are up-to-date on all of the latest technology and will work with you to find the best solution to fit your needs. Popular features include:

•     Automatic noise reduction.
•     A high number of channels for processing.
•     Receiver-in-the-canal or completely-in-the-canal styles.
•     Bluetooth Connection. Wirelessly Stream your cell phone, television or music directly to your hearing aids.
•     Rechargeable. Charge in the evening, be ready to go all day. No batteries to change!
•     Lightning-fast sound processing.

Each manufacturer develops proprietary technology unique from other manufacturers in the way that it processes sound.  Each has its own unique philosophy that makes each top hearing aid manufacturer stand out above mediocre offerings in the hearing aid world.  An online hearing aid may claim to be the latest technology but is actually using sound processing that is from an older model. The hearing may just increase the volume of sounds but not the clarity.

Current device manufacturers are now looking at how the brain processes sound. Some hearing devices use machine learning to allow the hearing aid to make decisions for you based on real-world evidence of other hearing aid wearers.  We like to say that your ears are the door to hearing and in your brain is where the hearing takes place. Therefore your brain will typically prefer one type of processing from one manufacturer over another. 

Which hearing aid is the best on the market or best for you requires some guidance from a trusted professional such as a Doctor of Audiology. A good audiologist will match your hearing loss, ability to process hearing in noise, and listening needs with the technology that is right for you. Your audiologist has extensive experience with each of these manufacturers and technology. Look for an audiologist who uses real ear measurements for fine-tuning to fully customize the hearing aid for you.  It is important that you return for follow-up visits to ensure that as your brain becomes accustomed to the new input your hearing aids are also changing.

When you see an audiologist who is affiliated with an independent private practice such as San Francisco Hearing Center your audiologist has many different manufacturers to choose from when determining what is the best hearing aid for you. Your audiologist is committed to improving your quality of life with the best hearing aid for your individual needs and hearing loss. Visit San Francisco Hearing Center today and experience the expertise and care from our hearing experts and Doctors of Audiology. 

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As a leading audiologist in San Francisco, we’re best placed to offer advice on this topic. So, here are our tips on how you look after your hearing aid batteries.

How to test hearing aid batteries

You should check your hearing aid batteries before you use them. Also, it’s good to test the battery if your hearing aid turns off or stops working. Either way, this is how you carry out the tests:

• To start, insert your batteries into the battery chamber of your hearing aid
• Make sure the positive marking faces upwards, then close the chamber door
• Try turning your hearing aid on, if it works, then the battery is fine
• If your hearing aid still doesn’t turn on, then carefully close your hand over the hearing aid and raise it to your ear
• If you can hear a squealing sound coming from the device, then the battery is working. If not, then it may be dead

If you have access to more than one hearing aid, then carry out this test across multiple devices. Essentially, it just ensures that the hearing aid isn’t at fault.

Alternatively, you can buy a hearing aid battery tester. This is the easier method as you just slide the battery in and read the results!

How to change hearing aid batteries

Changing hearing aid batteries isn’t difficult, but it still needs to be done correctly. To begin, make sure you clean your hands before handling the batteries. If you touch new hearing aid batteries with dirty hands, then dirt or grime can get in them and cause damage. As a result, they won’t last for very long.

Secondly, make sure you change the hearing aid batteries on a clean surface away from any moisture. Again, this is to prevent any damage from occurring. Now, you can follow these simple steps:

• Locate the battery chamber on your device
• Open the chamber as per the specific instructions in the manual for your device
• Take out the old battery and dispose of it
• Remove your new battery from its packaging and peel off the adhesive label. This will now activate the battery and make it ready for use
• Wait between five to seven minutes for your battery to fully activate. This waiting period can make the battery last for up to three days longer
• Insert the new battery into the chamber, making sure that the positive and negative sides are facing the right way. There will be + and – symbols on the battery and device to help you figure out the correct way
• Close the battery chamber and hold the hearing aid to your ear. Typically, the device is programmed to play a tune when a new battery is inserted, so you know it works

Of course, if you don’t hear the tune or your hearing aids don’t turn on, then refer to the advice about testing the batteries.

How to buy hearing aid batteries

You can purchase hearing aid batteries online, but you must be aware of certain things. Mainly, make sure you get the right batteries for your device. Different types of hearing aids require differently sized batteries. For example, a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid usually needs a bigger battery than one worn in the canal (ITC). Batteries are generally color-coded to express their size, so be aware of that as well.

Speak to an audiologist if you want to know what hearing aids fit your device. The worst thing you can do is guess! In the end, you’ll probably buy batteries that don’t fit and don’t work.

Also, it’s a good idea to buy hearing aids when you need them. Don’t buy lots in bulk as they will lose their performance as they age. Even if they’re not activated in their packaging, old batteries won’t be as good as new ones. So, look for long use-by dates to get the newest and best ones around.

Contact San Francisco Hearing Center for more help

Taking care of your hearing aid batteries begins with seeing an audiologist. Contact us today, and we can book you in for an appointment. Here, we’ll answer any questions and provide as much assistance as possible.

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What are the various sizes of hearing aid batteries?

There are four standard sizes when it comes to hearing aid batteries. There’s size 10, size 13, size 312 and size 675. You should talk to your audiologist about which you need for your hearing aid when you’re going through the process of having it fitted for the first time. If you’ve already done that and you’re not sure, you can always call your audiologist or search on the internet. They’re all color-coded too: size 10 is yellow, size 312 is brown, size 13 is orange and size 675 is blue.

How do you get the most out of hearing aid batteries in terms of performance?

There are lots of things you can do to ensure your hearing aid batteries perform to the highest possible standards. For most people, this will mean keeping moisture away from the battery air holes and away from the device in general. You should also make sure that you always switch off your hearing aid when you’re not using it because that can make a big difference. If you do ever get the hearing aid wet and you think it might have reached the batteries, dry them as soon as you can.

How long do hearing aid batteries generally last?

Of course, it’s hard to say exactly how long your hearing aid batteries will last because there are several factors that will impact that. For a start, the model of hearing aid you use will have an impact on how long it lasts, as well the number of hours per day you spend using your hearing aids. If you use them for streaming, this will dramatically reduce the lifespan of the batteries, so that should always be taken into account.

Should I use rechargeable batteries?

Rechargeable batteries are much more cost effective for many people, especially if you’re someone who needs to use your hearing aids a lot throughout the day. You want to make sure that you don’t have to be spending money on new batteries all the time and heading out to buy new ones when you have better things to be doing. That’s why rechargeable batteries are so appealing. You can simply charge them overnight or when you’re not using your hearing aids.

Why might my hearing aid batteries not be working?

There’s a variety of reasons why your hearing aid batteries might not be working for you as they should. To begin with, you should look if they’ve been activated by removing the tab. You might also find that a dented surface on the battery might negatively impact performance. It could also be the case that you’re using the wrong batteries or they’re faulty and arrived not adequately charged. That last example is rare, but it does sometimes happen.

How should hearing aid batteries be stored?

If you’re storing your hearing aid batteries outside of the device before using them, you should keep them at room temperature. That’s between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius. Somewhere in the middle of that range is the best option in most cases. You certainly shouldn’t store them in a refrigerator because they’ll be too cold, condensation can form when removed and their performance will ultimately be damaged. You should also do your best to keep them away from other metal objects to avoid short circuits.

What are the air holes in hearing aid batteries for?

The power of the battery is determined, to some extent, by the design of the electrodes and this is linked to the air holes that are found on the battery. You should keep these clean and don’t allow moisture to reach them if you can help it. Even if it might not look like it, these air holes are essential to the functioning of your hearing aid batteries.

Visit San Francisco Hearing Center if you want help with anything relating to your hearing aid or its batteries. We’ll be more than happy to book an appointment for you and find the best solution for your specific needs.

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Behind the ear (BTE)

These are worn with a hearing aid placed on top of the ear, as well as behind the ear. The components of the device are located in the case of the back of the ear. As such, they are joined to the ear canal via a tube or tip. As this is the most common hearing aid style, there are various options available in size and color. Because the design is discreet, this is a great option for anyone looking to conceal their hearing aid. While many people can feel self-conscious about wearing one, this design can suit you perfectly allowing you to live your life without a device worn inside the ear. These devices are ideal for individuals with mild-to-profound hearing loss and can be equipped with features to help treat tinnitus.

In the ear (ITE)

ITE devices sit in the outer ear bowl and offer more privacy than a BTE hearing aid, but are easier to handle than the smaller canal counterpart. They are available in full and half shell varieties and can be selected in skin or hair tones to help them blend more naturally with your appearance. Because they are slightly larger than canal devices, they are typically more comfortable to handle by individuals with dexterity issues. These devices are suitable for individuals with mild-to-moderately-severe hearing loss and can be equipped with options to provide tinnitus relief.

In the canal (ITC)

The electronics sit in a device that fits inside your ear canal and can come in different types, including completely in canal (CIC), ITC and invisible in canal (IIC). These devices all sit within the canal, some, like the invisible option, however, are located deeper and can require an audiologist’s help to properly insert and remove. Offering more discreetness and privacy than the other options, ITC hearing aids provide a more natural hearing experience due to their location in the canal. These are most often recommended for individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss and can be equipped with tinnitus features if other advanced options are not required.

Hearing aid features

Hearing aids are commonly used to treat tinnitus because they can be equipped with features that mask or override the sounds you hear. This feature, known as masking, uses white noise to cover the ringing, buzzing or whooshing you hear. While most hearing aid styles can be equipped with features to mask tinnitus, the smaller options like canal devices may not offer enough power or settings to handle all the options you want. Your audiologist will work with you to find the right technology and features to accommodate your needs. Your audiologist may also recommend tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) in tandem with hearing aid treatment. This will help you emotionally cope with the sounds you hear, which can also help alleviate your symptoms.

As you can see, hearing aids have come a long way from the old-fashioned transistor hearing aids, the digital hearing aids of the 1970s, and even ear trumpets. Hearing aids aren’t seen as the frustrating, bulky device that you have to wear around your neck or in your pocket anymore. Hearing aids can be discreet, and allow you to function in your day to day life with minimal issue. And for those who have tinnitus, this condition can be treated effectively with the right hearing aid, allowing them to function with, and minimize the problem.

If you have misconceptions about living with a hearing impairment or think that hearing aids aren’t for you, as you can see, there are plenty to choose from to suit your lifestyle. Worrying about your hearing disappearing doesn’t need to be a major concern anymore, nor should living with tinnitus. But if you have any queries, or want to discuss your options, you can call the San Francisco Hearing Center.

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Here as Audiological Services of San Francisco, our audiologists aren’t only committed to identifying and treating your hearing loss. They are equally dedicated to ensuring you get to enjoy the benefits for years to come. Proper hearing aid care is essential to your device’s performance and here’s what you need to know.

Understand your hearing aid

No two people have the same hearing profile, which is why there is a huge range of hearing aids on the market. Behind-the-ear, in-the-ear and in-the-canal are the three main types. However, these can be broken down into subcategories while there are also subtle changes between brands and models. Getting to know yours is crucial.

While the audiologist can talk you through the main features at the hearing aid fitting appointment, you should still take some time to read up on the device. Read the manual and you’ll soon have a far greater knowledge of how to keep your device in better health. Perfect.

Keep them dry

Moisture exposure will always cause problems for the hearing aids, even when they are promoted as being water resistant, which is why you must take the necessary steps to avoid those issues. The following five tips will serve you well;

• Take them off when showering or swimming.
• Try to keep them covered if caught in heavy rain.
• Store hearing aids in a container at night.
• Take extra care when using hoses and household items.
• Dry with a towel if they ever get wet.

Getting water inside the casing or amplification system will have a negative impact, but avoid drying them with hairdryers and similar tools as the heat can cause problems. Be sure to avoid getting hairspray and other materials in the device too and you won’t go far wrong.

Keep them clean

Aside from making the devices look and feel a little icky, an accumulation of dirt and debris can damage the performance of your hearing aids. Earwax is the biggest culprit of all, not least because it’s impossible to avoid contact.

Still, you can make a huge impact by cleaning them with a cotton swab at the end of each day. On a related note, replacing the wax filter on a regular basis should prevent any wax from reaching the internal parts of the device. You’d be amazed at how quickly damage occurs once the wax infiltrates these areas.

Change the batteries on a regular basis
When you encounter problems with your hearing aid devices, it’s quite likely that the batteries will be the source of those troubles. As such, this should always be one of the first items that you troubleshoot. Symptoms of battery faults include;

• No power.
• Power cuts out.
• Volume changes without warning.
• Volume drops.
• The hearing aid makes unfamiliar noises.

Check that the battery is inserted properly and test that the door shuts without obstruction. If those issues are fine, try replacing the battery. If you use the devices for several hours at a time, you may need to do this every few days.

Take care when handling them

One of the main reasons that hearing aids are so delicate is due to their size. Whether cleaning them, changing the settings or placing them in overnight storage, it only takes a little too much pressure to break them or move a part out of position. Even when this doesn’t harm the performance, it can make the devices uncomfortable to wear.

If you are likely to drop them due to unsteady hands, why not sit down at a table when making those changes? It’s always better to be safe than sorry and avoids the threat of potentially dropping the device on the floor. Of course, keeping them stored away safely at night aids the cause too.

Get them professionally tested

While giving daily care the attention it deserves certainly helps, you must not ignore the need to see an audiologist from time to time. This is the only way to be sure that you’ve spotted every issue. Besides, the audiologist may make a few minor modifications to suit your changing hearing profile.

Here at San Francisco Hearing Center, we provide those services while also showing you how to take your daily hearing aid care game to the next level. Call us today to book an appointment.

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Here at San Francisco Hearing Center, we take great pride in helping hearing aid users find the perfect devices. Whether you’re a first-time wearer or desire an upgrade, here’s all you need to know.

Why does the choice of hearing aid matter?

As a first-time hearing aids user, you may think that all devices are pretty much the same. In truth, those feelings could not be further from the truth. The reality is that the type of hearing aid you choose will have a massive impact on your daily activities.

Some are better suited to mild hearing loss while others are better for moderate hearing loss. Meanwhile, some devices link up with ALDs and other products with far greater ease. Finally, you need to consider the comfort. After all, you will be wearing them for several hours at a time.

What is the best type of hearing aid on the market?

Everybody has their unique hearing profile and individual lifestyles. Therefore, the device that works best for a friend or relative might not work best for you. There are many options to consider, here are some of the best.

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids

BTE hearing devices are the type that most people picture when discussing potential devices. The casing, which is colored to match the skin tone, sits behind the ear while a rubber tube connects the speaker to a mold or soft tip that sits in the ear.

They are comfortable and very easy to use, not least because the power and volume buttons are easy to locate and manipulate. Behind-the-ear hearing aids are often among the most affordable options too, which is another major selling point.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids

ITE hearing aids are custom made to the individual’s needs and the entire device sits in the bowl of the ear. They are available in shades that can blend with hair or skin tones to offer a more natural look and can be equipped with numerous features due to their size.

In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids

In-the-canal hearing aids fit discretely in your ear canal and offer the privacy many are looking for when selecting a device. They offer natural listening experiences because of their placement in the ear and feedback reduction.

RIC or RITE hearing aids

Receiver-in-canal and receiver-in-the-ear devices are basically the same things. The terms describe a range of devices that are very similar to the BTE devices. The main difference is that the speaker sits in the ear rather than behind it.

The speaker is connected to the case via a thin wire. They offer a comfortable fit but are a little less inconspicuous than some of the alternative options out there.

Bluetooth hearing aids

Technology evolves at a rapid rate and this is especially true in the hearing aids market. Devices that are equipped with Bluetooth facilities often link up with ALDs far easier. If you believe that those features will be useful, this can be the way to go.

The audiologist will give you the full overview of the features and whether the added facilities are needed in your personal circumstances. When they are right for you, these options offer fantastic value for money for a long time to come.

What else should I consider?

In addition to choosing the right type of hearing aid device, it’s vital that you pick the right model. You deserve a hearing aid that you can rely on and ASOSF works with four of the most reputable manufacturers on the market:

• Lyric invisible hearing aids
• Oticon miniRITE hearing aids,
• Phonak hearing aids,
• Widex Beyond hearing aids.

All of the above manufacturers produce a range of models while our audiologists can help with the specifications, fittings, and calibrations. Whichever option is deemed right for you, San Francisco Hearing Center will ensure you receive the very best setup for your needs.

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What is the Difference Between BTE and ITE hearing aids?

ITE styles

When you’re looking at a smaller hearing aid, you could think about the ITE style of hearing aid. Due to their size and their discreet appearance, they are a good option for those who may feel a little embarrassment about their hearing loss. There are several different types of in the ear style hearing aids, and there are various sizes.

ITE hearing aids are smaller than the behind the ear type, and this can make them difficult to handle if your dexterity is bad. However, this shouldn’t stop you from having this type of hearing aid. There are low-profile styles that feature a half shell or full shell that make them easier to insert and remove into the ear. They’re not normally recommended for those with a severe hearing loss, because the battery doesn’t last as long as the behind the ear type. Those with a severe hearing difficulty generally put their hearing aids through a heavy wear, so need a longer life.

BTE styles

These hearing aids are the largest of the three main styles and can handle multiple features and customizations. Whether you want muted skin tones or more vibrant colors, BTE hearing aids come in a variety of styles to meet your aesthetic wants. Because they are slightly larger than the other styles, they also can be ideal for individuals with dexterity issues.

These are the hearing aids that accommodate a more severe hearing loss, as their battery lasts a lot longer and they’re easier to handle. There are the mini styles that are popping up on the market, which accommodate thinner tubes. The best way to know which is right for you is speaking to your audiologist.

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Why are Hearing Aid Fittings Important?

1. You get the perfect fit

As its name suggests, a hearing aid fitting is where your audiologist will fit the hearing aid for you. This guarantees that you get the perfect fit and that you’re sent home with a device that’s designed specifically for your ear. As far as comfort goes, you will be unable to match the fit unless you attend this appointment.

2. Your hearing aid is programmed for you

Following on from this, your audiologist will also use this appointment to program the hearing aid for you. Not only does this mean you don’t have to try and do it yourself, but it also means you get a device that’s programmed for your specific hearing loss. Different people have different hearing loss problems, which is why we have hearing aid fittings to ensure you get a device that works properly for you.

You get to learn how to use your hearing aid

During a hearing aid fitting, you get taught how to use your hearing aid by a professional audiologist. They will take the device and show you all the buttons and features that you need to be aware of. So, when you go home, you know how to use it and get the most out of it. If you didn’t go to a hearing aid fitting, then you’d have to try and figure all this out by yourself.

You get taught about maintenance and care

Finally, you get taught how to look after a hearing aid when you go to this appointment. Again, this isn’t something you get taught if you just bought a hearing aid online. Sure, there could be instructions on the packaging, but there’s no audiologist next to you showing you what to do. At your hearing aid fitting, your audiologist shows you exactly how to clean your hearing aid, how to care for it, and what you should and shouldn’t do. They may also give you a leaflet full of maintenance instructions, so you don’t forget. As a result, you take better care of your device and ensure it doesn’t break within a few months.

As you can see, hearing aid fittings are absolutely vital. Without one, you will most probably end up paying for a hearing aid that doesn’t fit comfortably, isn’t programmed correctly and you don’t know how to use or look after. It’s always worth taking an hour or so out of your schedule to attend a hearing aid fitting where your audiologist will ensure you leave with a smile on your face and volume in your ears!

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