Hearing Aid, Use and Care of

Hearing Aid, Use and Care of 

Purpose: 

• To assist the resident with use and care of a hearing aid for maximum effectiveness. 

• To prolong the life of the resident’s hearing aid. 

• To enhance auditory perception for residents with hearing impairment. 

Equipment: 

• Hearing aid 

• Toothpicks or applicator sticks 

• Disposable tissues 

• Replacement batteries (stored in refrigerator) 

• Warm water and soap (to cleanse ear) 

• Washcloth and towel 

• Case or container to store hearing aid 

Types of Hearing Aids: 

• Body-worn hearing aid with earpiece 

• Eyeglass hearing aid 

• Behind-the-ear hearing aid 

• In-the-ear hearing aid 

Procedure: 

I. Preparation: 

• Turn volume down and turn the hearing aid off if necessary. 

II. Inspection and Cleaning: 

• Inspect hearing aid ear mold for any breaks or cracks. Avoid exposure to excessive heat; this may change the shape of the ear mold and affect fit. 

• Check the ear mold channel for wax and/or debris. Dislodge with toothpick or applicator stick. Wipe clean with tissue. 

• Check volume control and replace batteries as needed. Do not use water on the volume control module. 

III. Cleaning Resident’s Ear: 

• Cleanse and dry resident’s ear well before inserting ear mold using warm water and soap, washcloth, and towel. 

IV. Inserting and Adjusting Hearing Aid: 

• Gently insert ear mold. 

• Adjust volume and test hearing aid for effectiveness. 

V. Final Steps: 

• Leave resident in a comfortable position with call light within reach. 

• Discard soiled equipment properly. 

• Notify social service designee if hearing aid needs service. 

• Leave resident in a comfortable position with call light within reach.