Learning how to put in a hearing aid is an important first step in getting the best out of your device. Whether you are new to hearing aids or upgrading to a different style, proper placement helps ensure both comfort and clear sound. At first, the process may feel unfamiliar, but with a little practice it quickly becomes part of your daily routine. Hearing aids come in different shapes and sizes, such as in-the-ear, behind-the-ear, or receiver-in-canal designs. While the techniques vary slightly, the principle remains the same: the device needs to sit securely and naturally in or around your ear. A correct fit not only prevents feedback or whistling but also ensures the aid delivers the level of amplification programmed by your audiologist.
Getting used to handling your hearing aids may take time, especially if you have never worn one before. It is normal to need several attempts before it feels easy. Most people soon develop their own routine for putting them in and taking them out. With patience and practice, inserting your hearing aids becomes a straightforward habit that supports better hearing and everyday confidence. Read more in our article.
If you notice signs of hearing loss, it’s best to seek guidance from an audiologist. At EarPros, we suggest starting with a baseline hearing test to monitor your hearing over time. Our experts will assess your hearing levels, examine your ears, and talk through any concerns, offering professional support and advice at every stage of the process.
How to insert hearing aid into ear canal: IIC aids
Invisible-in-Canal devices are the smallest type of in-ear hearing aid, designed to sit deep inside the ear canal for maximum discretion. Correct insertion is key to ensuring comfort, stability, and clear sound.
Step-by-step guide:
- Wash and dry your hands – Always begin with clean hands to maintain ear hygiene.
- Identify left and right aids – Most IICs are colour coded: red for the right ear, blue for the left.
- Hold the device properly – Grip the removal handle or small wire between your thumb and finger.
- Insert carefully – Place the tip at the entrance of the ear canal and ease it in with a gentle twisting motion.
- Check comfort – It should feel secure without causing pain or pressure.
- Switch on and test – Make sure the sound is clear. If it feels loose or muffled, remove and reinsert.
If you have persistent difficulty or discomfort when inserting IIC hearing aids, speak with your audiologist for advice or adjustments.
How to fit inside the ear hearing aids (ITE)
In-the-Ear hearing aids are custom-made to fit comfortably within the ear and offer a discreet solution for everyday wear. A correct fit helps ensure consistent sound quality and all-day comfort.
Step-by-step guide:
- Wash your hands – Clean, dry hands prevent dirt or bacteria entering the ear.
- Identify left and right aids – Look for the red (right) and blue (left) markings.
- Check orientation – Hold the aid so it aligns with the natural shape of your ear.
- Position at the canal entrance – Place the tip at the ear canal opening.
- Insert gently – Use your fingertip and apply light pressure, guiding the device into place with a slow, twisting motion if necessary.
- Confirm fit and comfort – It should feel snug but not painful.
- Switch on and check clarity – Ensure the sound is stable and natural.
If the ITE device feels uncomfortable, produces whistling (feedback), or is difficult to insert, remove it and try again. Ongoing issues should be reviewed by your audiologist.
How to put BTE hearing aids in
Behind-the-Ear hearing aids are widely used due to their power, comfort, and flexibility. Proper insertion ensures secure placement and effective amplification.
Step-by-step guide:
- Wash your hands – Begin with clean, dry hands.
- Identify left and right aids – Red indicates the right ear, blue the left.
- Insert the earmould or dome – Hold it between your fingers and gently place it into the ear canal until snug.
- Adjust for comfort – Make sure the mould or dome sits securely without gaps or irritation.
- Position the main unit – Lift the hearing aid body and rest it naturally behind your ear.
- Check tubing – The tube should sit flat against your skin without pulling.
- Switch on and test – Ensure sound is clear and stable.
If you experience whistling, looseness, or discomfort, your audiologist can adjust the fit of your BTE hearing aids for better results.
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Hearing aid fitting: things to know
General Principles
- Clean hands first – Always wash and dry your hands before handling your hearing aids.
- Left or right? – Most hearing aids are colour coded: red for the right ear, blue for the left.
- Gentle handling – Hold your device by its body, mould, or removal handle. Avoid gripping delicate parts such as the battery door or microphone openings.
- Correct placement – A properly fitted aid should sit snugly without causing pain or slipping out.
- Check sound quality – After insertion, switch on the aid and confirm the sound is clear and stable.
Common Styles and Their Fit
- Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) – These sit deep in the ear canal and are almost invisible. Insert with a gentle twisting motion using the removal handle. Comfort and secure placement are especially important as they rest so close to the eardrum.
- In-the-Ear (ITE) – Custom-made to match your ear’s shape. Place at the entrance of the canal and ease it in with light pressure. It should feel snug but not tight.
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE) – Popular for their power and reliability. First insert the earmould or dome into your ear, then rest the main device behind the ear. Check that the tubing lies smoothly against your skin.
Additional Tips
- Avoid whistling (feedback) – This often means the aid isn’t inserted fully or securely. Remove and reinsert if necessary.
- Children’s fittings – Switch the device off before inserting. Guide the mould gently into place, then position the aid behind the ear. Always check the fit by touch.
- When in doubt – If you experience discomfort, feedback, or persistent difficulty inserting your hearing aids, consult your audiologist. They can adjust the hearing aid fitting or provide practical guidance.
Difficulty inserting hearing aids: tips for new users
1. Prepare Properly
- Wash and dry your hands before handling your device to keep both the aid and your ears clean.
- Check left and right aids – remember: red for the right ear, blue for the left.
- Find a well-lit mirror – inserting your hearing aids in front of a mirror can make it easier to guide them into position.
2. Use the Correct Technique
- Follow the ear’s shape – gently pull the top of your ear upwards and backwards to straighten the canal before inserting.
- Hold the aid properly – use the earmould, dome, or removal handle, never the battery door or microphone openings.
- Go slowly – insert the hearing aid with a gentle twisting motion rather than pushing it straight in.
3. Check Comfort and Fit
- A snug fit is key – the device should feel secure but not painful.
- Watch for feedback (whistling) – this usually means the aid isn’t inserted fully. Remove and reinsert.
- Don’t force it – if it doesn’t go in smoothly, take it out, reposition, and try again.
4. Build Confidence
- Practise when calm – try inserting and removing your aids at home before relying on them in daily life.
- Be patient – it’s normal to need a few tries before it feels natural.
- Seek guidance – if you continue to struggle, your audiologist can demonstrate the correct technique or adjust the fit.
5. Special Considerations for Children
- Switch the device off before insertion to avoid loud sounds.
- Guide gently – hold the tubing near the mould and insert with care.
- Check the fit regularly as children’s ears grow quickly.
✅ Remember: Correct insertion not only improves comfort but also ensures the best possible sound quality. If you experience persistent discomfort, irritation, or feedback, always consult your audiologist.
How do I know if my hearing aid is in correctly
Wearing your hearing aid properly is essential for comfort, clear sound, and avoiding problems such as feedback (whistling). There are a few easy checks you can do to ensure your device is fitted correctly.
- Comfort – Your hearing aid should sit snugly in the ear without pain or pressure. If it feels sore, loose, or unstable, it may not be positioned properly.
- Sound clarity – Speech and environmental sounds should be clear and natural. If the sound is muffled, distorted, or very quiet, the aid might not be fully inserted.
- Feedback – Whistling noises are often a sign the hearing aid is not seated correctly or there are small gaps around the earmould or dome.
- Appearance – For in-the-ear styles, the faceplate should lie flush with your ear canal opening. For behind-the-ear devices, the tubing should sit smoothly against the skin, and the earpiece should be fully inside the canal.
- Stability – When you move, chew, or talk, the hearing aid should stay securely in place.
If you are ever unsure, remove the aid and reinsert it carefully. Persistent issues with fit or sound quality should always be discussed with your audiologist, who can check the fitting and make any adjustments.
How to insert Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing aids
RIC devices sit behind the ear with a thin wire and small receiver in the canal.
How to insert:
- Hold the wire between your thumb and finger.
- Insert the receiver (earpiece) into the canal with a gentle twisting motion.
- Lift the main body over your ear and let it rest naturally.
- Make sure the wire lies flat against the side of your head.
How to remove:
- Hold the wire close to the canal opening and gently pull the receiver out.
- Lift the main body off the ear.
How to fit children's hearing aids
1. Preparation
- Wash and dry your hands before handling the hearing aids.
- Switch the hearing aid off (or lower the volume) before insertion to avoid sudden loud sounds.
- Identify left and right aids – red is for the right ear, blue for the left.
2. Inserting the Earmould or Dome
- Hold the tubing near the mould (not the battery door or microphone).
- Tilt the aid slightly forward and gently place the tip of the mould into the entrance of the ear canal.
- Insert with care – apply gentle pressure and twist slightly to guide the mould securely into place.
3. Positioning the Hearing Aid
- Once the mould is in place, lift the main body of the behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid and rest it comfortably over the top of the child’s ear.
- Check the tubing – it should lie smoothly against the skin without pulling or twisting.
- Fold any retention tail (if present) into the bowl of the ear so it follows the ear’s natural curve.
4. Checking the Fit
- Snug but comfortable – the mould should feel secure without causing pain.
- Test by touch – run your finger gently around the outside of the ear to ensure the mould is flush against the ear canal.
- Watch for whistling (feedback) – this often means the mould is not inserted properly. Remove and try again.
5. Final Steps
- Switch the hearing aid on and check the sound is clear.
- Observe your child – ensure they are comfortable and not tugging at their ears.
- Repeat daily – consistency helps children get used to wearing their hearing aids.
Extra Tips for Parents and Carers
- Make fitting part of the routine (e.g., after getting dressed).
- Keep calm and patient – children may resist at first, but regular practice builds familiarity.
- Check the fit regularly – children’s ears grow quickly, so earmoulds may need replacing often.
- Work with your audiologist – they can demonstrate the fitting process and make adjustments if needed.
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How to insert an NHS hearing aid?
General Principles
- Wash and dry your hands before handling your hearing aids.
- Identify left and right aids – red markers are for the right ear, blue for the left.
- Handle with care – grip the earmould, dome, or removal handle, never the battery door or microphone openings.
- Use a mirror – especially in the beginning, to help guide correct placement.
- Check comfort – a snug fit is needed, but the aid should not feel painful or put pressure on the ear.
How to Insert Different Styles
In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
- Hold the device so it matches the natural shape of your ear.
- Gently pull the outer ear upwards and backwards to straighten the ear canal.
- Place the tip of the aid at the canal entrance and ease it in with a slow, twisting motion.
- Ensure it sits flush with the ear without gaps or discomfort.
Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids
- Hold the wire between your thumb and finger.
- Insert the receiver (the small earpiece) into your ear canal with a gentle twisting motion.
- Once secure, lift the main part of the aid and rest it naturally behind your ear.
- Make sure the wire sits flat against your skin without pulling.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
- Hold the earmould or soft dome between your fingers.
- Insert the tip gently into your ear canal, rotating slightly to help it slide in.
- Once in place, lift the main body of the aid over the top of your ear.
- Check the tubing lies flat against your skin and the device feels secure.
How to Remove Hearing Aids
- ITE: Press gently behind your earlobe and pull the device forward.
- RIC: Grip the small cord or wire at the entrance of the canal and pull carefully.
- BTE: Remove the aid from behind your ear first, then ease the mould out of your ear canal with a gentle twist.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Whistling or feedback: Usually means the aid is not fully inserted – remove and reinsert.
- Difficult insertion: Try using a mirror and gently pull your ear upward to straighten the canal.
- Blocked sound: Earwax or dirt may be preventing proper fit; clean your ear and the device.
- Discomfort: If the aid feels tight, painful, or keeps slipping, consult your audiologist for adjustments.
Comfort and Daily Wear
- Wear the aids for short periods at first, then gradually increase time to allow your ears to adjust.
- If you feel soreness, pressure, or a blocked sensation, this may signal fitting issues.
- Special vents in earmoulds may help relieve pressure and improve airflow.
Cleaning and Care
- Wipe devices daily with a soft, dry cloth.
- Remove earwax from domes, moulds, and openings.
- Keep tubing free of moisture and replace it if it becomes hard or discoloured.
- Store hearing aids in a dry container or drying kit when not in use.
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How to put in a hearing aid with a dome
Hearing aids with domes use a soft silicone tip that sits inside the ear canal. A correct fit ensures both comfort and clear sound.
Step-by-Step Guide
Wash and dry your hands
Identify left and right aids
Hold the device correctly
Straighten your ear canal
Insert the dome
Position the main unit
Check comfort and security
Switch on and test
Tips for Best Results
- Do not force the dome – if it doesn’t go in smoothly, remove and try again.
- Use a mirror at first until you feel confident.
- If you experience ongoing discomfort or feedback, your audiologist may need to check the size or style of dome.
- Replace domes regularly (typically every 1–3 months) or sooner if they become stiff, cracked, or discoloured.
Which color hearing aid goes in which ear?
When you first start using hearing aids, it can be confusing to remember which device goes in which ear. To make this easier, most manufacturers use a simple colour-coding system that is consistent across all models and styles. The rule is straightforward: red is for the right ear, blue is for the left ear. You’ll usually find a small red or blue marker on the hearing aid itself, often near the battery door, on the casing, or inside the tubing. In rechargeable models, the colours may also appear on the charging case. This system is designed to save you time and avoid mistakes when inserting your hearing aids. Because each device is programmed specifically for your level of hearing loss in that ear, it’s important not to swap them over. Wearing the wrong aid in the wrong ear may affect sound clarity, comfort, and performance. When handling your hearing aids, get into the habit of checking the colour first: red for right, blue for left. Over time it will become second nature, but until then, using the colour markers is the simplest way to ensure a correct fit every time.
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