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.

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.

If washed, the ear mold must remain detached until fully dry. Do not remove

your ear mold without speaking with your provider first.

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.

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.