What are tubes?
Hearing aid tubes serve a crucial purpose for your hearing aid. They transmit the sound wave from your microphone to the receiver, which then converts it back for you to hear. The tube is designed to allow sound to be transmitted using a sinusoidal wave form.
What are the different types of tubes?
There are two different types of hearing aid tubes: pre-bent and thin.
Pre-Bent Tubes
These are used for hearing aids with custom earmolds. This type of tubing is universal and will fit any hearing aid model. There are also 3 wall types: standard, medium, or thick. A thick wall is most suitable for those with severe hearing loss. Pre-bent tubes also have a “moisture-free” option, available in either a medium or thick wall.
Thin Tubes
These are used for hearing aids with domes. Thin tubing comes per brand, and per hearing aid model. Every tube will come printed with a size, and this can be found either on the tube or under the dome. The text will either be in blue to indicate the left ear, or red to indicate the right ear.
When do I change my tubing?
A quick way to check is to gently squeeze the tubing. If it goes back to its normal shape then the tube is still fine, however, if it remains in the bent shape, it needs to be changed.
Do I need tools to change my hearing aid tube?
Pre-bent tubes, you will need tools to change your hearing aid tube. These are the recommended tools:
- A set of cutters to cut the amount of hearing aid tubing you need, and for clearing up any mistakes you may make later in the process.
- Pliers to accurately shape and guide the hearing aid tubing into place. They can also be used to deconstruct the hearing aid as required.
- A tubing extractor to remove the earmold from the hearing aid. This may be necessary if it has become degraded or if you have a larger tube.
- A tubing threader to thread the earmold through with ease. Please note that some tools come equipped with the threader and extractor as one tool.
- Glue to solidly hold in place your new hearing aid tubing. You will need to make sure that the glue is suitable for your hearing aids, otherwise you could risk permanent damage.
Thin tubes do not require tools for changing – they simply screw on and off. The following sections apply to pre-bent tubing only.
How do I remove my tubing?
- Give your new tubing an adequate clean to make sure there is no dust or debris. You will also need to clean your hearing aid, including the old tubing, to prevent dirt or dust getting into the mold when you take it out.
- The old tubing is usually attached to a hook known as a “coupler”. You will need to detach the old tubing from the hearing aid – it should come straight off if it is not glued on. If it is glued on, you can either use a tubing extractor or find out what glue was used and acquire a suitable dissolvent.
- Use your pliers to peel the old tubing from the coupler. You will need to repeat this until it become loose enough to gently pull out.
How do I replace my tubing?
- Your old tube will be your measuring tool for the new tubing – use your clippers to cut your new tube to the same length as your old. If you have pre-cut tubes, make sure that they are the correct length.
- Use the tubing threader to gently pull the new tubing through the earmold to the correct position.
- If the tube is firmly in place, you will not need any glue to secure it, however, be prepared to use a tiny amount of glue if the tube is loose.
Hopefully you will now feel more confident about changing your hearing aid tube (if you haven’t already!) But if you do still feel unsure, please contact our sister company and trained audiologists Hear4U or get in touch with our friendly customer service on 01455245749. We’re always here to help!
