Lorraine Poulos

19 Hearing Loss Providing support with hearing aids 1 2 3 4 Know your client’s abilities: • Understand what their hearing ability is • Check care plan and be aware of their aids, how and when they are to be used Before the task: • Remove the tab from the new battery and allow 1 minute for it to power up • Clear any wax or grime from mould with small wax brush provided • If needed, rinse tubing with warm water to clear wax and shake to clear water • Check aid for correct ear (red marker = right ear, blue = left ear) Close battery door – this turns the aid on During the task: • Position the hearing aid behind the ear • Ensure the earwire rests comfortably behind the ear close to the head • Insert the ear tip into the ear canal holding the earwire in place After the task: • Check client comfort and they can hear sound easily • Prompt client to turn the battery off by opening battery door when retiring to bed, to lengthen battery life • Batteries usually last 75-100 hours Document in the Client Journal: • Complaints of ear pain / discomfort • Reduced function in managing the aid 5 Guide for consumers, carers and workers