How to change the wax filter on a hearing aid
- Prepare the new wax filter: Open the wax filter case and remove one wax filter holder.
- Remove the dome: If your hearing aid uses a dome to secure it in the ear, start by gently pulling the dome off the ear tip.
- Remove the old wax filter: Insert the removal hook into the used wax filter, keep the holder at a right angle and pull the used wax filter straight out.
- Insert the new wax filter:
- Flip the holder around to expose the new wax filter.
- If you are unsure which is the new and which is the old. You will find the old filter on the tapered end.
- Align it with the opening of the sound outlet.
- Press in gently to secure the new wax filter. For BTE/RIC, press directly onto the receiver or tube tip.
- Pull the holder straight out, maintaining the right angle to ensure proper placement. - Secure the wax filter:
- Press the tube tip against a flat surface or your finger to ensure the wax filter is securely in place. - Reattach components: For dome hearing aids, reattach the dome to the tube tip.
- Discard the used holder: Safely discard the holder with the used wax filter. It can be recycled with your household waste.
How often the wax filter has to been changed will vary from person to person, and is for one-time use only.
If the wax filter falls off inside your ear, do NOT attempt to remove it - please contact us for advice.
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Hearing aid FAQs
If your hearing aids are new, it's totally normal for it to feel like the sound is too loud to start with.
You may have suffered with hearing loss for a long time and have got used to the quiet and not being able to hear all the sounds around you.
Suddenly the clicks from a keyboard, the sound of rushing water, and even the squeaks of your shoes seem very noticeable. This is a good thing – you’re hearing sounds you haven't heard in a long time! Still, it may be tiring to take in all these new sounds.
We recommend giving it some time for your brain needs to readjust to hearing specific sounds again. Generally, the acclimatisation period is around 4 to 6 weeks.
If your hearing aids are not new, then give us a call on 0800 60 50 40 to speak to an adviser.
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.
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.
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.
- Ensure that your hearing aids are inserted properly. The tube/cable should be flush with your cheek.
- You can also check that the microphone opening is not blocked. Simply use a brush to clean 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.
- If none of these steps work, then get in touch for further advice.
Aftercare is included with all of our hearing aids here at OutsideClinic. Aftercare is available for the lifetime of your hearing aids. Just call 0808 239 3504. Our hearing care specialists are on hand to give you the help you need.
If you would like extra peace of mind, you can protect your hearing aids against accidental damage with our Hearing CarePlus Plan.
