Hearing aid fitting
The audiologist will check the fit of the earmolds and then trim the tubing to the correct length. The earhook on the hearing aid is attached to the tubing. For the custom shells of ITE’s, the audiologist will check the placement of the shell in the ear to see if the shell sits correctly and comfortably in the ear canal. A battery will be placed in the hearing aid and the hearing aid will be placed in your child’s ear. There is much to learn at this appointment. The audiologist will teach you how to turn the hearing aids on and off, put the hearing aids in and take them out of your child’s ears. It is helpful to practice several times before you leave the clinic. You will also learn how to check the battery and how to change the battery when it gets low. Most hearing aids need the battery replaced every week or ten days. For younger children, the hearing aids should have a tamper proof battery door so that your child cannot take the battery out. More
You will also be taught how to clean the earmold and hearing aids, and where to store the hearing aids when not in use and at night. The hearing aid will have a manual that covers almost everything that your audiologist teaches you. If there is something you don’t remember, you can look it up in the manual.
Hearing aid follow up
You may return to the clinic several times during the first month or two. Additional testing may be needed and will be completed during these visits. The audiologist may review some of the directions you were previously given. Any concerns that you have can be addressed at this time. Consistent hearing aid use will be emphasized. If you are having trouble keeping the hearing aids in your child’s ears, the audiologist can give you helpful tips. One of the problems parents frequently report is “feedback” or whistling of the hearing aids. During the first year of life, the baby’s ear canal grows very quickly. Any leakage of sound around the earmold may cause excessive feedback. It is common to replace the earmold every month for the first few months.
It is normal for the hearing aid to whistle when something is very close to it. Sometimes the hearing aids whistle when the child is in a car seat while driving. It is advisable to switch to the FM program as there are many learning opportunities in the car. If you are concerned about your child getting the battery door open, the safest thing is to take them out. If your baby accidentally swallows a battery, call the hospital immediately.
Acknowledgements
Phonak acknowledges the permission and assistance of the following organizations for their expertise in this portion of our website:
- The Better Hearing Institute
- The Infant Hearing Guide
