How Tos and FAQs


To help you use and look after your hearing aids

Ensuring your hearing aids are working and looked after means they last longer and keep you hearing better. Our How To guides below will help you get the most out of your hearing aids while our FAQs answer the more common questions that hearing aid users have. Don't worry if you're still unsure on anything as our hearing specialists are always there for you!

BTE (Behind The Ear) hearing aids

Turning your BTE hearing aid on and off
  • To turn the hearing aid on, close the battery door. You will hear a sound signal to indicate that it is on, unless your Audiologist has deactivated this function. You can also tell if the hearing aid is on by cupping it in your hand and listening for a whistling sound.
  • To turn off the hearing aid, push the battery door down-wards.
  • Don't forget to turn your hearing aids off when not being used.

Specific instructions may vary depending on the exact model of your hearing aid, so please consult the instruction manual or give us a call on 0800 612 7978 if you're unsure.

Changing the battery in your BTE hearing aid
  • To avoid dropping your hearing aid while changing the battery, hold it above a soft surface.
  • Take the tab off the new battery, making sure there is no sticky substance left on it, and let it "breathe" for 60 seconds.
  • Use the nail grip to gently swing the battery door open and remove the old battery.
  • Place the new battery in the drawer as shown and close the drawer. If it doesn't close easily, then either the battery is not fully inserted or it is the wrong way around.
  • Check that the hearing aids are working after changing the batteries
  • If you are not using the hearing aid for a few days then remove the battery. Never leave a flat battery in the hearing aids while storing them as it could leak and ruin your hearing aid.

Specific instructions may vary depending on the exact model of your hearing aid, so please consult the instruction manual or give us a call on 0800 612 7978 if you're unsure.

Changing the wax filter in your BTE hearing aid
  • To remove the used wax filter, insert the removal hook into it and pull the wax filter straight out.
  • Insert the new wax filter into the opening of the sound outlet and press in gently.
  • Wax filters are for one-time use only and not intended to be cleaned.

Specific instructions may vary depending on the exact model of your hearing aid, so please consult the instruction manual or give us a call on 0800 612 7978 if you're unsure.

Using your Widex MOMENT charger
Getting the charger ready
  • Grab the hinged cover on both sides and lift it upwards, then pull it over towards the side with the USB port.
  • Connect the cable to the charger via the Micro USB port. The light indicators flash white 5 times when the charger is connected to the power supply.
  • The charger is now ready to charge.
Using the charger
  • Place the hearing aid into one of the charging wells on top of the charger. It can only be inserted one way and, once in, the light indicator will turn sold yellow while detecting the hearing aid.
  • Once detected, charging will begin. The light indicator will flash green to indicate that the hearing aid is low on battery and less than 40% charged.
  • The light indicator will glow green to indicate that the hearing aid is more than 40% charged and will turn solid green to indicate that the hearing aid is 100% charged.
  • If the light indicator flashes red then an error occurred during charging and the charging will stop.
  • If the light indicator flashes yellow then the temperature of the hearing aid has become too high during charging and charging is paused.

Specific instructions may vary depending on the exact model of your hearing aid, so please consult the instruction manual or give us a call on 0800 612 7978 if you're unsure.

Attaching a dome to your BTE hearing aid
  • To remove the old dome, pull it away from the tubing/receiver. This is best done while holding the tubing/receiver steady.
  • To fit a new dome, gently insert the end of the tubing/receiver into the dome until it touches the end. It is very important to ensure that the ear-tip is firmly secured.
  • When inserting a receiver into the dome, you should feel it click into place.

Specific instructions may vary depending on the exact model of your hearing aid, so please consult the instruction manual or give us a call on 0800 612 7978 if you're unsure.

Attaching a receiver to your BTE hearing aid

Specific instructions may vary depending on the exact model of your hearing aid, so please consult the instruction manual or give us a call on 0800 612 7978 if you're unsure.

ITE (In The Ear) hearing aids

Turning your ITE hearing aid on and off

  • To turn the hearing aid on, close the battery cover and push it up-wards. You will hear a sound signal to indicate that it is on, unless your Audiologist has deactivated this function. You can also tell if the hearing aid is on by cupping it in your hand and listening for a whistling sound
  • To turn off the hearing aid, push the battery cover downwards.
  • Don't forget to turn off the hearing aid when it is not in use.;

Specific instructions may vary depending on the exact model of your hearing aid, so please consult the instruction manual or give us a call on 0800 612 7978 if you're unsure.

Changing the battery in your ITE hearing aid
  • To avoid dropping your hearing aid while changing the battery, hold it above a soft surface.
  • Take the tab off the new battery, making sure there is no sticky substance left on it, and let it "breathe" for 60 seconds.
  • Open the battery cover and and remove the old battery
  • Place the new battery in the drawer as shown, making sure it is the right way round with the + ;on the battery matching the + on the battery compartment, then close the cover.
  • If it doesn't close easily, then either the battery is not fully inserted or it is the wrong way round
  • Check that the hearing aids are working after changing the batteries
  • If you are not using the hearing aid for a few days then remove the battery. Never leave a flat battery in the hearing aids while storing them as it could leak and ruin your hearing aid.

Specific instructions may vary depending on the exact model of your hearing aid, so please consult the instruction manual or give us a call on 0800 612 7978 if you're unsure.

Changing the wax filter in your ITE hearing aid
  • To remove the used wax filter, insert the removal hook into it and pull the wax filter straight out.
  • Insert the new wax filter into the opening of the sound outlet and press in gently.
  • Wax filters are for one-time use only and not intended to be cleaned.

Specific instructions may vary depending on the exact model of your hearing aid, so please consult the instruction manual or give us a call on 0800 612 7978 if you're unsure.

FAQs

  • My hearing aids will not turn on or there is no sound
      First things first – check the batteries! If you are unsure on how to change these then check out our BTE and ITE How To videos above.

      Following the battery check test, to see if the aid is still dead by trapping it in your hand with your fingers wrapped around the aid. If you can hear the aid whistle, then sound is being produced. The sound may still be reduced due to debris around the outlet or microphones so please do check these and give them a clean as well.

      If you have already replaced the batteries AND made sure they are fitted in the right way then:

      If you’ve already replaced the batteries AND made sure they are fitted in the right way then:

      Make sure the hearing aids are turned on.
      Widex BTE: Close the battery door. The hearing aid will play a sound signal to indicate that it is on unless your Audiologist has deactivated this function.
      Widex ITE: Close the battery door and push it upwards. The hearing aid will play a sound signal to indicate that it is on unless your Audiologist has deactivated this function.

      Check the sound outlet is not blocked
      Widex BTE: Check your tips, earmoulds and tubing for blockages. Remove any visible wax with a small brush or cloth. If the wax filter is blocked, then replace this – do not clean it.
      Widex ITE: Remove any visible earwax from around the sound outlet with the small brush or cloth. If the wax filter is blocked, then replace this – do not clean it.

      Check the microphone opening is not blocked
      Widex BTE: Use a soft cloth to wipe over the top of the aid and remove any visible wax or debris.
      Widex ITE: Open the battery door and turn the hearing aid so the lid is facing downwards. Guide the short wax removing tool through the microphone openings on the door from the inside. If you suspect that earwax or dirt has got into the microphone inside the hearing aids then please contact us - do not insert anything into the microphone.

      If the hearing aids will still not turn on or you cannot hear anything then please contact us for assistance.

  • My hearing aids are not very loud or sound dull
      This could be down to a number of factors, including if you have only just started to wear hearing aids.

      New users
      When you wear hearing aids for the first time, it takes time for your brain to get used to the sounds. What appeared to be loud enough at the start may seem quiet or dull after a few days or weeks of regular use. This is normal and just means our Audiologist needs to fine tune the settings.

      However, it’s also worth checking that the hearing aids’ sound outlet or microphones are blocked so:

      Check the sound outlet is not blocked
      Widex BTE: Check your tips, earmoulds and tubing for blockages. Remove any visible wax with a small brush or cloth. If the wax filter is blocked, then replace this – do not clean it.
      Widex ITE: Remove any visible earwax from around the sound outlet with the small brush or cloth. If the wax filter is blocked, then replace this – do not clean it.

      Check the microphone opening is not blocked
      Widex BTE: Use a soft cloth to wipe over the top of the aid and remove any visible wax or debris.
      Widex ITE: Open the battery door and turn the hearing aid so the lid is facing downwards. Guide the short wax removing tool through the microphone openings on the door from the inside. If you suspect that earwax or dirt has got into the microphone inside the hearing aids then please contact us - do not insert anything into the microphone.

      Existing users
      Check the volume level
      Try adjusting the volume in case this has been set to a lower level than you normally use. If there is no change to the volume level then please call us.

      Change the program
      If applicable, try changing to a different program. If there is no difference to the volume level between programs then please call us.

      Check the sound outlet is not blocked
      Widex BTE: Check your tips, earmoulds and tubing for blockages. Remove any visible wax with a small brush or cloth. If the wax filter is blocked, then replace this – do not clean it.
      Widex ITE: Remove any visible earwax from around the sound outlet with the small brush or cloth. If the wax filter is blocked, then replace this – do not clean it.

      Check the microphone opening is not blocked
      Widex BTE: Use a soft cloth to wipe over the top of the aid and remove any visible wax or debris.
      Widex ITE: Open the battery door and turn the hearing aid so the lid is facing downwards. Guide the short wax removing tool through the microphone openings on the door from the inside. If you suspect that earwax or dirt has got into the microphone inside the hearing aids then please contact us - do not insert anything into the microphone.

      Have your ears become blocked with wax?
      A build-up of wax will have an impact on your hearing. If you feel this is the case then please contact us for advice on wax removal.

      Has your hearing changed?
      It’s possible that if you’ve been wearing hearing aids for a couple of years that your hearing has changed. This is a natural process and could just mean that your Audiologist needs to assess your hearing and adjust your hearing aids accordingly. If you feel that this is the case then please contact us.

  • My hearing aids sound too sharp

      For many new hearing aid users, they have spent years not hearing higher pitched sounds. Hearing birdsong and the voices of women and children clearly again is of great benefit, but they might find other buzzing and humming sounds, like their fridge freezer, annoying.

      Most people will adapt to hearing these sounds again very quickly, but if they prevent you from wearing your hearing aids regularly then please get in contact and our Audiologists can make adjustments.


  • My hearing aids sound distorted
      Check the hearing aid batteries
      If the battery level is low then performance can be affected so replace with new batteries. Also if you see any damage or corrosion to the batteries then carefully remove them and replace. If the sound is still distorted then please call us.

      Check the battery contacts
      If the contacts (small metal prongs) are bent or not in good shape then please call us.

      Change the program
      If applicable, try changing to a different program. If the sound is still distorted then please call us.

      Check the hearing aids
      If you can see any damage or defects then please call us.

  • My hearing aids keep whistling

      Most hearing aids have automatic feedback cancellation but there are some instances where feedback (whistling) can occur.

      Check if your hearing aids are getting covered up
      If you are wearing a hat or scarf then make sure that it does not cover up the hearing aids. This also applies if you are leaning your ears against a cushion or pillow. If you are still getting feedback then please look at the other causes listed here or get in contact with us.

      Check the sound outlet is not blocked
      Widex BTE: Check your tips, earmoulds and tubing for blockages. Remove any visible wax with a small brush or cloth. If the wax filter is blocked, then replace this – do not clean it.
      Widex ITE: Remove any visible earwax from around the sound outlet with the small brush or cloth. If the wax filter is blocked, then replace this – do not clean it.

      Check the microphone opening is not blocked
      Widex BTE: Use a soft cloth to wipe over the top of the aid and remove any visible wax or debris.
      Widex ITE: Open the battery door and turn the hearing aid so the lid is facing downwards. Guide the short wax removing tool through the microphone openings on the door from the inside. If you suspect that earwax or dirt has got into the microphone inside the hearing aids then please contact us - do not insert anything into the microphone.

      Check your hearing aids are fitted correctly
      A poor fit will cause feedback so ensure your hearing aids are fitted correctly. Take the hearing aids out and refit. In the case of ITE hearing aids this is the device itself but with BTE hearing aids this is the tip or earmould. If the hearing aids or tips/earmoulds still do not fit correctly then please contact us.

      Check your volume level
      If this is set too high then feedback can occur so adjust your volume to a lower level. If you are unable to hear at this lower level then it is possible your hearing has changed so please contact us to arrange a free hearing assessment.

      Have your ears become blocked with wax?
      A build-up of wax can cause feedback so if you feel this is the case then please contact us for advice on wax removal.

  • My hearing aids are uncomfortable

      Hearing aids should not be uncomfortable to wear throughout the day! However, if this is the first time you have worn hearing aids then it can take a couple of weeks for you to get used to them. This is usually done by wearing them for a short period and gradually building up the time worn.

      If you have worn hearing aids for some time then it is possible they are not correctly placed in your ear so take them out and refit.

      If they are still causing you discomfort then please contact us.