How many years should I expect my hearing aid to last?

The average hearing aid lasts 3 – 5 years.

How do I know if the battery is in the hearing aid correctly?

Hearing aid batteries have a positive and negative side, just like other batteries. Generally, there will be a red “+” sign on the battery door indicating the positive side should be up. The positive side of a hearing aid battery is flat and has a “+” sign on it.

What do I do with the batteries when I’m done with them? 

We recommend recycling them, keeping all battery waste separate from other recyclables. This can be done at most electronics stores.

How do I turn my non-rechargeable hearing aid* on and off?

Close the battery door to turn it on. To turn it off, open the battery door. It is not necessary to remove the battery from the hearing aid. Refer to your specific user guide for help.

*Non-rechargeable products only

My hearing aid* has a battery door. Why do I need to open it at night?

There are two important reasons:
It ensures that the battery is not being drained, allowing for more economical use of your hearing aid.
It allows air into the hearing aid, which is helpful in preventing moisture build-up.

*Non-rechargeable products only

Is it OK for me to sleep in my hearing aids?

Hearing aids should be worn during waking hours. When going to bed for the night, you should remove your hearing aids and open the battery door, if you have one, to help conserve battery life.

Where should I store my hearing aids when they are not in my ears?

Store the hearing aids in the provided case or another hard-shell case that closes to ensure they are properly protected and easy to locate.

Can I wear my hearing aids when I take a shower, bath, or when I swim?

Even with the water-resistance capabilities of modern hearing aids, we recommend you remove your hearing aids prior to any aquatic activity.

How do I clean my hearing aid?

A simple cloth or tissue can be used to wipe down the hearing aids. A brush can be used to help remove more stubborn or stuck debris if necessary. Refer to the User Guide that came with your hearing aid for more details.

How often should I clean my hearing aids? 

Cleaning your hearing aids more frequently will help keep them in the best condition possible. Cleaning them once every morning before you put them on is generally a good practice.

What does the button do? 

If there is a button on the hearing aid, it is there to select between different listening programs or environments and/or to change the volume. This varies by product. Refer to your specific user guide for help.

My hearing aid is beeping. What does that mean?

The beeps can mean a variety of things. Beeps can indicate that a battery is getting low, the hearing aid program is changing (when you push the program button), or there are changes to the volume. If you are unsure what the different beeps mean, check with your hearing care provider for more information on specific beeps or refer to the User Guide that came with your hearing aid.

My hearing aid whistles sometimes when I am putting it in my ear. Is this normal?

It is possible to hear a whistle when putting a hearing aid in your ear. It should not, however, whistle when it is in place in your ear. If it does, make an appointment to have your hearing aid checked.

My hearing aid is "dead," is there anything I can do?

Before making an appointment with your hearing care provider, try a new battery. 
Make sure the hearing aid isn't plugged with debris or wax, preventing sound from coming through. If you look at the end of the hearing aid and it is plugged with wax, gently remove it from the opening (if using an earmold with a BTE style) or replace the wax filter (if using a RITE or custom style). 
Make sure that if you have a volume control on your hearing aid that the volume is turned up.
If none of these things solves the issue, have your hearing aid checked professionally.

How do I tell the right hearing aid from the left hearing aid?

Your hearing aids will be marked red and blue. Red will always be for the right ear. The blue will be for the left ear.

My BTE hearing aid has a volume control; which way do I turn it to change the volume?

If you have a rotary wheel, roll it toward the top of your head to increase the volume. If you roll the wheel toward your shoulders, this will turn the volume down. If you have buttons on your hearing aid, the top button will turn up the volume, and the bottom button will decrease the volume. Refer to the user guide for help.

Will wearing my BTE or RITE hearing aid interfere with my glasses?

No, it should not. Many people wear both hearing aids and glasses. Make sure that when you remove your glasses, you use both hands, one on each bow by your temple, and pull them straight forward. Avoid pulling your glasses roughly off to one side – this may cause the hearing aid on the opposite side to become dislodged.

Is there anything I need to know about the clear hollow tube that connects my hearing aid to the ear mold?

Over time, the tubing that connects the ear mold to the hearing aid will need to be changed. When the tubing becomes rigid or discolored, visit your hearing care provider for a tube change.

What is the white thing at the end of the hearing aid that goes into my ear?

That is the wax filter. It is there to prevent wax from getting into the delicate components of your hearing aid. When this becomes clogged with wax or other debris, you will need to change it to ensure your hearing aid stays in good working order.

How often does the wax filter need to be changed?

It varies depending on how much wax your ear produces. Estimates range from once per week to once every few months. Inspect the wax filter frequently and change when wax or other debris becomes noticeable.

What is the hole next to the wax filter on my hearing aid?

That is the vent. The vent allows for some sounds to enter your ear naturally as well as provide ventilation for your ear canal. Natural ventilation is important because it prevents the "plugged up" or occluded sensation you would get if your ear were completely closed off with the hearing aid.

How do I clean the vent?

Use a thin wire or the cleaning brush that comes with your hearing aid to clear the vent. If using a thin wire, insert it into one end and push it through until it comes out the other end. Be sure to wipe off any debris with a cloth or tissue before removing the wire from the vent.

Are the microphone covers easily replaceable?

Yes, the O-Caps and T-Caps used by our Enchant, Celebrate, and Cheer custom styles are easy to replace by either the hearing aid wearer or the hearing care provider. Replacement caps can be ordered from your Sonic provider.

What is the clear "antenna" thing on my hearing aid?

Some hearing aids have a retrieval cord to assist you with the removal of your hearing aids. When the hearing aid is in your ear, grasp the line firmly and pull to remove your hearing aid.

My custom hearing aid has a volume control; which way do I turn it to change the volume?

Rotate the volume control wheel forward/toward your face (when worn) to increase volume; rotate the wheel backward/away from your face to decrease volume.

Why is my hearing aid squealing?

The squealing that you or those around you hear is called feedback. Feedback may occur because something has changed with the way the hearing aid fits in your ear. This can be because your hearing aids need to be cleaned, your ears have accumulated debris in the canal, or your ears have grown (your ears continue to grow as you age). 
If you are experiencing feedback, try cleaning your hearing aids and your ears themselves. If that does not stop the feedback, consult your hearing care provider.

*Non-rechargeable products only. Please refer to your specific user guide.