Struggling to get your hearing aids in the right way? You’re definitely not alone. The first few tries can feel fiddly, awkward, and even a bit frustrating.

But once you know what you’re doing, popping them in each day becomes second nature—just like brushing your teeth or putting on your sunnies.

Different types of hearing aids go in slightly differently, so it helps to know which kind you’ve got. Maybe yours sit behind the ear, or maybe they fit snugly inside the ear canal. 

Either way, there’s a right way to put them in, and getting the fit right makes all the difference to how well you hear.

You don’t want them whistling, falling out, or feeling uncomfortable while you’re walking the dog or having a chat at the café.

This guide will walk you through exactly what to do, step by step, so you can feel confident every morning when you put them on. Let’s make hearing easy.

Check Which Type of Hearing Aid You Have

Before you start, take a good look at the type of hearing aid you’ve got. There are a few different styles: Behind-the-Ear (BTE), In-the-Ear (ITE), Receiver-in-Canal (RIC), and smaller ones like In-the-Canal (ITC) or Completely-in-Canal (CIC).

Each one sits differently and goes in a unique way, so knowing the style helps you insert it properly without causing damage or discomfort.

BTE models hook over the ear, while ITE and CIC styles sit inside the ear. RICs have a thin wire that runs into the canal.

A quick check now can save you a lot of fiddling and frustration later.

Wash and Dry Your Hands First

Always wash and dry your hands before handling your hearing aids.

Clean hands help keep dirt, oils, and grime out of your device—and dry hands stop moisture sneaking in.

That’s extra important in sticky, humid spots like Queensland where sweat and moisture can easily damage the tiny parts inside.

Identify Left and Right Hearing Aids

Before you pop them in, check which hearing aid goes in which ear. Red means right, and blue means left—easy to remember, but also easy to forget when you’re in a rush.

Mixing them up is one of the most common mistakes people make, especially if you’re new to wearing hearing aids.

Putting the wrong one in the wrong ear can feel uncomfortable and may cause muffled or distorted sound.

Most devices have a tiny red or blue marker on the casing, so have a quick look before inserting. 

Getting this simple step right makes everything else smoother.

Step-by-Step: How to Insert BTE Hearing Aids

Start by holding your BTE (Behind-the-Ear) hearing aid by the earmold, not the tubing. Gently place the earmold into your ear canal, making sure it lines up with the shape of your ear.

You might need to wiggle it slightly to help it sit in comfortably. Once the earmold is in, hook the main part of the hearing aid over the top of your ear so it rests neatly behind it.

Give it a light press to make sure everything’s sitting snug—not too loose, but not jammed in either.

Avoid using force. A gentle touch is all you need. If it feels like it’s popping out or not staying in place, you might need a different size earmold or a better fit from your audiologist.

Take your time—once it’s in properly, you’ll hardly notice it’s there.

Step-by-Step: How to Insert ITE or CIC Hearing Aids

To insert ITE (In-the-Ear) or CIC (Completely-in-Canal) hearing aids, start by holding the device so the battery door is facing down.

This helps line it up the right way before it goes into your ear.

Gently guide the aid into your ear canal, using slow, even pressure. Don’t rush or push too hard—your ear should naturally guide it into the correct spot.

If it doesn’t go in smoothly, you can twist it slightly as you insert it.

This can help the hearing aid settle in securely and feel more comfortable.

Once in, it should sit snugly and not stick out.

If it feels blocked, tight, or painful, remove it right away.

There could be wax build-up, or you might need a slight adjustment to the fit.

If it keeps happening, speak to your audiologist—they’ll sort it out for you.

Step-by-Step: How to Insert RIC Hearing Aids

To insert RIC (Receiver-in-Canal) hearing aids, start with the receiver wire, not the part that sits behind your ear.

Gently guide the dome (the soft tip) into your ear canal. It should slide in easily and feel comfortable—not too tight or too loose.

Once the dome is in place, tuck the main body of the hearing aid behind your ear. Make sure the wire follows the curve of your ear naturally—no pulling or bending.

If the dome isn’t sitting right, it might be the wrong size. Using the wrong dome is a common mistake, and it can lead to poor sound, whistling, or even the aid falling out.

Never force the dome in—if it doesn’t feel right, take it out and try again. It should feel snug but not painful. And always double-check that the wire isn’t twisted, as that can mess with the sound quality.

What If the Hearing Aid Doesn’t Feel Right?

If your hearing aid feels uncomfortable, keeps slipping out, or causes a blocked feeling, chances are it’s not inserted properly.

You might also hear whistling or notice the sound isn’t as clear as usual.

Take it out and try again, making sure you’re using the right technique for your model.

Don’t force it—if it still feels off after a few tries, there might be a fit issue.

In that case, book in with your local Australian audiologist.

They can check for wax build-up, adjust the fit, or replace parts like domes or earmolds if needed.

How to Insert Hearing Aids with Glasses

Wearing glasses and hearing aids together can feel tricky at first, but there’s a simple trick—put your glasses on first, then slide your hearing aids into place.

This way, the arms of your glasses don’t knock the hearing aids out of position.

If you wear Behind-the-Ear (BTE) models, consider choosing glasses with thin, lightweight frames.

They leave more space behind your ear, making everything more comfortable.

Make sure both your glasses and hearing aids are sitting securely—not pinching or overlapping too much.

If it still feels awkward, ask your audiologist about custom tips for better fit.

Best Time of Day to Insert Hearing Aids

The best time to put your hearing aids in is right after your morning shower—once your ears are completely dry.

Dry, clean ears help the devices sit better and work more effectively.

Avoid inserting them when your ears are sweaty or oily, especially on hot Aussie days.

Cleaning Tips Before Insertion

Before putting your hearing aids in, give them a quick clean with a soft, dry cloth or a proper hearing aid brush.

This helps clear away any wax, dust, or skin oils that could block sound or damage the device.

If you live near the coast—like in parts of NSW or Queensland—moisture and salt air can be extra harsh on hearing aids, so daily cleaning is even more important.

Check the wax guard and dome for build-up, and swap them out regularly if needed.

A clean hearing aid lasts longer, works better, and feels more comfortable in your ear.

Using a Mirror Helps – Here’s Why

Using a mirror makes it much easier to get your hearing aids in the right spot.

You can check the alignment and make sure they’re sitting snug without being twisted or crooked.

It’s a great trick for new users and seniors who might need a bit of extra guidance.

Key Takeaway

If your hearing aid keeps falling out, feels painful, or you’re still struggling to hear properly after putting it in—don’t wait.

These are signs that something’s not quite right, and a quick fix could make a huge difference.

It might be the fit, the dome size, or even a bit of wax build-up.

That’s where we come in.

Our friendly team at Hearing & Audiology is here to help you get the perfect fit—comfortably, confidently, and stress-free.

We’ve helped thousands of Aussies across Perth and beyond get the most out of their hearing aids.

Need a hand? Book a check-up with us today—we’d love to help you hear better, every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which ear my hearing aid goes in?

Red = right, blue = left. This is standard across Australia and globally.

Is it OK if my hearing aid feels loose?

No, it should feel secure but not painful. Get it adjusted by a hearing clinic.

Should I wear my hearing aids all day?

Yes, unless swimming or sleeping. Use them during your waking hours for best results.

Can I use hearing aids if I wear glasses?

Yes, just insert glasses first, then hearing aids. Thin arms on your frames help.

How do I clean them before putting them in?

Use a soft dry cloth or the cleaning tools that came with the device. Never use water.