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The ear: one of nature's miracles |
The visible outter ear is only a part of the complex organ that enables us to hear. In fact,
the human ear can be divided into three parts: the external, the middle and the inner ear.
The actual process of perceiving and interperting sound takes place in the brain.
The size and shape of the ear canal differs from one person to another,
and is virtually as unique as our facial features or fingerprints. Nevertheless, there are certain features
in common.
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In-the-ear instruments: Masterpieces of hearing instruments technology. |
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Inserting hearing instruments into your ears |
If possible, switch off your instruments before insertion to avoid feedback (a high-pitched, whistling tone)
and be sure to put them in the correct ear:
Insert the instrument, canal-end first, into the ear canal. Tug gently on your ear lobe and push
the hearing instrument into the correct position. Although this may require a little practice,
you will soon become so familar with the procedure that will seem like second nature.
If possible, switch off the insrtuments before removing them to avoid feedback.
Remove them over a soft surface (bed, sofa, etc.) taking care not to drop them.
| 1. Hearing instruments with a removable handle. |
Grasp the handle between your thumb and index finger and pull the instrument upwards and out of your ear.
| 2. Hearing instruments without a removable handle. |
Put your thumb behind your ear lobe (just below the hard cartlage) and gently press your ear upward to push
the instrument out of the canal. To help it along, make chewing movements with our jaw. Grasp the protruding
instrument and remove it.
There are two reasons- one acoustic, the other anatomical- why a hearing instrument should fit snugly
into the ear.
A loosley fitting hearing instrument can cause feedback, an unpleasant, high pitched whistling sound.
This happens when the instrument does not fit snugly and the amplified signal finds a way back to the microphone.
For comfortable, interference-free hearing, a close fit in the ear canal is essential.
A hearing instrument that does not fit snugly can work out of position when the wearer is chewing, yawning or simply talking. This is
because the shape of the ear canal is influenced by movements of the jaw. You can feel this by putting
the tip of your finger into your ear, then slowly opening and closing your mouth.
| How nature protects the ear drum |
The ear drum is a highly sensitive membrane and nature has taken various precautions to protect it
from damage: |
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The external part of the ear canal contains sweat and sebaceous glands. The glands produce
a waxy substance known as cerumen, or earwax, which traps bacteria and dust. Cerumen is only produced in
the outter third of the ear canal and gradually works its way to the entrance, where it can be
removed. Never try to clean down inside of the canal yourself. If you have a problem, consult
your hearing healthcare professional or physician.
The external part of the ear canal is covered with tiny hairs, which act rather like a
curtian to protect the ear drum against dust and dirt. If dust or bacteria do succeed in penetrating the
curtain they are trapped by the cerumen.
The ear drum is further protected by bends in the ear canal. This helps prevent
objects accidentially entering the ear and damaging the ear drum.
| Cerumen and hearing
instruments |
When you first start wearing a hearing instrument, it often seems like a foreign body, but the feeling disappears after a
short familiarization period. All the same, hearing instruments can stimulate the production of cerumen.
Some instruments are equipped with a protective cerumen filter to help prevent earwax from entering
the instrument. if the outlet of the hearing instrument is blocked by earwax, the volume may be
reduced or even cut-off altogether.
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Proper care and maintenance of hearing instruments |
Modern hearing instruments are durable, easy-to-use and reliable. Nevertheless, a few simple
precautions will ensure that your instruments continue to give you many years od trouble-free service.
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Your hearing healthcare professional will give you specific information on cleaning your
hearing instruments and may recommend a special cleaning kit.
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Water and solvent cleaning agents can damage electronic circuitry. Use a soft dry
cloth to clean the instruments whenever they are removed from our ears.
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Remove any accumulated cerumen daily. When using a cerumen removal tool, i.g. a brush,
always clean the instrument from below. This will prevent particles of wax or dirt from getting inside
the instrument.
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If the volume of your instrument diminishes, it may be due to the sound outlet or the cerumen filter
being blocked with a cerumen. Either replace the filter or ask your hearing healthcare professional for advice on corrective action.
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Avoid getting your instruments dirty. |
Always make sure your fingers are dry and clean before handling your hearing
instrument.
The microphone inlet is only a few tenths of a millimeter wide and can easily
become blocked if handled incorrectly.
| Protect your
instruments from dampness |
Dampness and condensation can damage the circuitry in your hearing instruments. We recomend
that you leave the battery compartments open over night and use the special drying kit available from your hearing healthcare
professional.
| Protect your hearing
instruments from heat. |
Never leave your hearing instruments where they may be affected by extreme heat.
Protect them from direct sunlignt (at home or in a parked car) and do not leave them near radiators.
| Avoid sharp
knocks and impact |
Insert and remove your hearing instruments over a soft surface (a bed or sofa).
| Avoid contact
with hair spray or make-up |
The fine particles produced by hair spray or make-up can easily block a microbhone
inlet. Always remove hearing instruments before using personal care products.
| Keep your hearing instrument in a safe place. |
When your instruments are not in use, always keep them in the presentation case or special
drying box. for transporting the instruments, keep them in their case. Remove the batteries if the
instruments will not be used for some time.
| Keep your hearing instruments out of the reach of young children and pets. |
Dogs are irritated by the feedback (whistling) sound, and attracted by the owner's scent.
This often resulting in a chewed-up hearing instrument.
Always have repairs carried out by a specialist.
Screwdrivers and oil can be fatal for hearing instruments. Merely touching the electronics
or micromechanics can lead to irreparable damage.
