Instructions to Use a Phonak Hearing Aid

While hearing loss can seem like a major challenge to someone who is experiencing it, devices are constantly being introduced to alleviate the stresses related to the condition. Phonak, for instance, is a major competitor in the hearing aid market. The company produces many models of hearing aids that are easy to use and helpful to users.

Preparing the Hearing Aid

• The Phonak hearing aid is a simple device with easy-to-use controls. While many models are available, most run on the same principle and design, each with slightly different variations. This content focuses on the Phonak Audeo Smart model, as it is the most basic, and contains the fundamental elements that all other models follow.

  Before trying the device, become familiar with it by reading the manual and trying out the buttons. First you will want to insert the battery. Remove the foil from the battery, and wait two minutes before inserting it into the device. On the body of the device itself, you will notice a switch, and below that, a battery door. Slide the battery door open to reveal where you can place the battery (with the positive side facing out). Simply close the battery door to turn the device on. Do so for both ear pieces. Afterward, you are ready to insert the aids, but be sure to insert the devices in the proper ear. This can be verified by making sure that you have the red-colored aid in the right ear, and the blue-colored aid in the left ear. If you get these two backward, it can feel awkward, as well as cause you problems when adjusting sound levels.

Inserting and using the Hearing Aid

• Take the hearing system for your right ear in your right hand and place it behind that ear, resting it on the top of the ear. While holding it with one hand, it may be necessary to use the other hand to place the hearing tube where it is supposed to go. Place the hearing tube between your thumb and forefinger so that you are about an inch away from the hearing dome (or bulb or SlimTip or shell). All of these are different variations of the style of the microphone placed into your ear, but serve the the exact same function and are inserted in the same way. Insert the dome deep enough into your ear canal so that there is no slack on the hearing tube. Make sure it lies flat on your ear. Sometimes your device will have a retention cord that helps hold the aid and dome in place. Place it into the bowl of the ear to keep everything secure. Once your right ear is done, move onto the left ear and do the same thing.

  After both devices are installed, the wearer should be able to hear at some level. A change in the volume might be necessary, which is a quick and easy fix. To increase the volume, simply press the switch at the top of the hearing aid behind your ear (it is located immediately above the battery compartment) repeatedly until you reach the desired level of sound. To lower the volume, press the button on the left ear until you reach the level of comfort.