How to Insert Hearing Aids | Step-by-Step Instructions for Proper Hearing Aid Placement

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), nearly 28.8 million adults in the U.S. could benefit from hearing aids, yet fewer than one-third actually use them. If you’ve just received your first pair or you’re still struggling to pop them in comfortably, don’t worry!

Step 1: Know Your Hearing Aid Type

Before you even touch your ears, you need to understand what type of hearing aid you’re dealing with. Different styles go in differently—and knowing which is which can save you a ton of time (and discomfort).

Hearing Aid Style	Placement	Looks Like	Best For
BTE (Behind-the-Ear)	Over the ear + inside the ear canal	Curved tube with earmold	Moderate to severe hearing loss
ITE (In-the-Ear)	Inside the outer ear	Custom-shaped shell	Mild to severe hearing loss
ITC (In-the-Canal)	Partially in the ear canal	Smaller than ITE	Mild to moderate hearing loss
CIC (Completely-in-Canal)	Fully inside the ear canal	Tiny, almost invisible	Mild hearing loss
RIC (Receiver-in-Canal)	Small BTE with speaker inside canal	Thin wire with dome	Mild to moderate loss

Got your style figured out? Good. Let’s move on.

Step 2: Clean and Prep

Clean Your Hands

Always start with clean, dry hands. This reduces the risk of infections and keeps oils from damaging delicate parts of the hearing aid.

Check the Device

• Look for any earwax buildup
• Make sure batteries are working
• If you’re using rechargeables, make sure they’re fully charged

Optional: Use a Mirror

Especially for small styles like CIC or ITC, a mirror helps with accuracy. Place it at eye level in a well-lit area.

Step 3: Inserting Different Hearing Aid Styles

How to Insert BTE (Behind-the-Ear) Hearing Aids?

To insert a BTE hearing aid:

1. Hold the earmold between your thumb and forefinger.
2. Gently pull the top of your ear back with the opposite hand. This opens the ear canal.
3. Insert the earmold into your ear canal with a slight twisting motion.
4. Once it’s snug, hook the main device over the top of your ear.
5. Ensure the tubing is not bent and fits snugly.

It should feel secure but not painful. If it whistles, it’s probably not inserted properly.

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How to Insert ITE (In-the-Ear) Hearing Aids?

To insert ITE hearing aids:

1. Hold the aid with the battery compartment facing outward.
2. Gently pull your ear lobe down and back.
3. Push the aid into your ear canal using a gentle rocking motion.
4. Press it until it’s flush with the outer ear.

These are custom molded. If it feels loose, check for wax buildup or consult your audiologist.

How to Insert ITC and CIC Hearing Aids?

These go deeper inside your canal and can be a bit tricky at first.

1. Hold the aid by the outer faceplate.
2. Use your opposite hand to pull your ear up and back.
3. Gently slide the aid into the canal.
4. Use your fingertip to push it in until it feels snug.

For CIC hearing aids, use the removal string to help with placement or removal.

Don’t force it. If it doesn’t fit smoothly, take it out and try again.

How to Insert RIC (Receiver-in-Canal) Hearing Aids?

These are very similar to BTEs, but with a thin wire and a small speaker in your ear.

1. Hold the device by the dome (the part that goes in your ear).
2. Insert the dome gently into the canal using a soft twisting motion.
3. Hook the device over your ear.
4. Make sure the wire lies flat against your skin.

If the dome keeps slipping out, your dome might be too small.

Step 4: Check for Proper Fit

Here’s how you know you’ve done it right:

• No pain or pressure
• Device sits securely
• No whistling or feedback
• You can hear clearly

If any of the above feel off, remove the aid and re-insert it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forcing the device in
• Inserting with dirty hands
• Ignoring discomfort or whistling sounds
• Using the wrong dome or tip size
• Forgetting to turn the device on before inserting

Tips for First-Time Users

• Start by wearing them for a few hours a day
• Practice inserting/removing them while sitting at a table
• Be patient—your ears will adjust over time
• Use a mirror until you build muscle memory
• Ask your audiologist to show you in-person demonstrations

When to Ask for Help?

Contact your hearing care professional if:

• Your hearing aid constantly falls out
• You experience pain, pressure, or discomfort
• You hear high-pitched whistling
• You’re not getting enough amplification or clarity

Final Thoughts

Putting in hearing aids may feel awkward at first—but like tying your shoes, it becomes second nature with practice.

Whether you’re using BTE, ITE, CIC, or RIC models, the key is to stay patient, be gentle, and get familiar with your device’s shape and fit. And hey—don’t be afraid to ask your hearing specialist for help. That’s literally what they’re there for.

FAQs