A guide to your BTE hearing aids
Specific instructions may vary depending on the exact model of your hearing aid, so please check the instruction manual or give us a call if you're unsure.
How to turn BTE hearing aids on and off
- To turn the hearing aid on, close the battery door.
- You will hear a sound signal to indicate that it is on unless your Audiologist has deactivated this function.
- You can also tell if the hearing aid is on by cupping it in your hand and listening for a whistling sound.
- To turn off the hearing aid, push the battery door down-wards. Don't forget to turn your hearing aids off when not being used.
How to change the battery in BTE hearing aids
- To avoid dropping your hearing aid while changing the battery, hold it above a soft surface. Take the tab off the new battery, making sure there is no sticky substance left on it, and let it "breathe" for 60 seconds.
- Use the nail grip to gently swing the battery door open and remove the old battery.
- Place the new battery in the drawer and close the drawer. If it doesn't close easily, then either the battery is not fully inserted, or it is the wrong way around.
- Check that the hearing aids are working after changing the batteries.
- If you are not using the hearing aid for a few days, then remove the battery. Never leave a flat battery in the hearing aids while storing them as it could leak and ruin your hearing aid.
How to change the wax filter in BTE hearing aids
- To remove the used wax filter, insert the removal hook into it and pull the wax filter straight out.
- Insert the new wax filter into the opening of the sound outlet and press in gently.
- Wax filters are for one-time use only and not intended to be cleaned.
How to charge my hearing aid using the Widex Moment charger
Getting the charger ready
- Hold the hinged cover on both sides and lift it upwards, then pull it over towards the side with the USB port.
- Connect the cable to the charger via the Micro USB port. The light indicators flash white 5 times when the charger is connected to the power supply.
- The charger is now ready to charge.
Using the charger
- Place the hearing aid into one of the charging wells on top of the charger. It can only be inserted one way and, once in, the light indicator will turn sold yellow while detecting the hearing aid.
- The light indicator will flash green to indicate that the hearing aid is low on battery and less than 40% charged. Once detected, charging will begin.
- The light indicator will glow green to indicate that the hearing aid is more than 40% charged and will turn solid green to indicate that the hearing aid is 100% charged.
- If the light indicator flashes red then an error occurred during charging and the charging will stop.
- If the light indicator flashes yellow then the temperature of the hearing aid has become too high during charging and charging is paused.
How to attach a dome to my BTE hearing aid
- To remove the old dome, pull it away from the tubing/receiver. This is best done while holding the tubing/receiver steady.
- To fit a new dome, gently insert the end of the tubing/receiver into the dome until it touches the end. It is very important to ensure that the ear-tip is firmly secured.
- When inserting a receiver into the dome, you should feel it click into place.
BTE hearing aid FAQs: Troubleshooting common problems
Most hearing aids have automatic feedback cancellation but there are some instances where feedback (whistling) can occur.
- Check if your hearing aids are getting covered up. If you are wearing a hat or scarf then make sure that it does not cover up the hearing aids. This also applies if you are leaning your ears against a cushion or pillow.
- Check your hearing aids are fitted correctly. A poor fit will cause feedback so ensure your hearing aids are fitted correctly. Take the hearing aid device itself out and refit. If the hearing aids or tips/earmoulds still do not fit correctly then please contact us.
- Check your volume level. If this is set too high then feedback can occur so adjust your volume to a lower level. If you are unable to hear at this lower level then it is possible your hearing has changed so please contact us to arrange a free hearing assessment.
- A build-up of wax can cause feedback so if you feel this is the case then please contact us for advice on wax removal.
If you’re new to wearing hearing aids, then it’s worth noting that it takes time for your brain to get used to the sounds. What appeared to be loud enough at the start may seem quiet or dull after a few days or weeks of regular use. This is normal and may just mean that an Audiologist needs to fine tune the settings.
There are however some other factors which you should check to make sure your hearing aids are working effectively:
- If sound is still dull, then you should check your tips, earmoulds and tubing for blockages. Remove any visible wax with a small brush or cloth. If the wax filter is blocked, then replace this – do not clean it.
- Then you can also check that the microphone opening is not blocked. Simply use a soft cloth to wipe over the top of the aid and remove any visible wax or debris.
- Check the volume level. Try adjusting the volume in case this has been set to a lower level than you normally use. If there is no change to the volume level then please call us.
- Change the program. If applicable, try changing to a different program. If there is no difference to the volume level between programs then please call us.
- If you are confident that there is nothing wrong with your hearing aids, then it could be that your ears could be blocked with wax, or your hearing ability may have changed. If you feel that this is the case then please contact us.
- Check that the batteries are not dead. Close the battery door. The hearing aid will play a sound signal to indicate that it is on unless your Audiologist has deactivated this function.
- Following the battery check, check if sound is still being produced by trapping the hearing aid in your hand with your fingers wrapped around the aid. If you can hear the aid whistle, then sound is being produced.
- If sound is still produced, then you should check your tips, earmoulds and tubing for blockages. Remove any visible wax with a small brush or cloth. If the wax filter is blocked, then replace this – do not clean it.
- Then you can also check that the microphone opening is not blocked. Simply use a soft cloth to wipe over the top of the aid and remove any visible wax or debris.
Hearing aids should not be uncomfortable to wear throughout the day.
However, if this is the first time you have worn hearing aids then it can take a couple of weeks for you to get used to them. This is usually done by wearing them for a short period and gradually building up the time worn.
If you have worn hearing aids for some time then it is possible they are not correctly placed in your ear so take them out and refit.
If they are still causing you discomfort then please contact us.
- Check the hearing aid batteries. If the battery level is low then performance can be affected so replace the batteries. Also if you see any damage or corrosion to the batteries then carefully remove them and replace. If the sound is still distorted then please call us.
- Check the battery contacts. If the contacts (small metal prongs) are bent or not in good shape then please call us.
- Change the program. If applicable, try changing to a different program. If the sound is still distorted then please call us.
- Check the hearing aids. If you can see any damage or defects then please call us.
If the sound is still distorted then please call us.
For many new hearing aid users, they have spent years not hearing higher pitched sounds. Hearing birdsong and the voices of women and children clearly again is of great benefit, but they might find other buzzing and humming sounds, like their fridge freezer, annoying.
Most people will adapt to hearing these sounds again very quickly, but if they prevent you from wearing your hearing aids regularly then please get in contact and our Audiologists can make adjustments.