Last Updated on August 8, 2025 by Jonathan Javid Au.D.
How to Keep Your Hearing Aids From Falling Off Your Ear
If your hearing aids are flopping off your ear, sliding out of your ear canal, or feeling loose, you’re not alone. As an audiologist, I’ve helped many patients troubleshoot fit and stability issues. Whether you wear Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC) or behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, there are several simple fixes to make them secure and comfortable.
Understanding the Fit of Your Hearing Aid
The most popular style of hearing aid today is one that slides behind your ear and uses a small wire or thin tube to deliver sound into your ear canal. These are typically called behind-the-ear (BTE) or receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aids. When fitted correctly, they should stay comfortably behind your ear even when wearing glasses, bending over, or exercising.
If your hearing aids are slipping or flopping, the first place to check is the wire or tube length. The hearing aid should sit directly on top of your ear so that directional microphones face forward. If it sits too far back, microphones will point upward—reducing your ability to hear in background noise—and the hearing aid may become unstable.
Signs Your Wire or Tube Length Is Wrong
- Too Long: Hearing aid slides backward, microphones point up, device flops when moving.
- Too Short: Dome or earmold gets pulled out, causing poor sound quality or ear discomfort.
Solution: Have your audiologist change the wire or tube length. This is a quick, one-minute fix that dramatically improves fit and comfort.
Tips for Preventing Your Dome from Slipping Out
1. Check the Dome Size
Most domes come in three sizes:
- Small: 4–6 mm
- Medium: 7–9 mm
- Large: 10–12 mm
If your dome is too small, it won’t grip your ear canal. If it’s too large, it may work its way out or cause soreness. Ask your hearing care provider to test a different size.
2. Use a Retention String
A retention string (sometimes called a sports lock) curves inside the bowl of your ear like a bike kickstand, preventing the dome from sliding out. Over time, these can wear out and lose strength—replace them when needed. You can also re-curl them using your thumb, similar to curling ribbon.
3. Add Extra Grip with Tape or Adhesive
If your hearing aid still falls off despite proper fitting, adhesive solutions can help—especially for those with flexible ear cartilage, thick curly hair, or an active lifestyle.
- Toupee/Wig Tape: Brands like Vapon Topstick are inexpensive and available at beauty supply stores.
- Phonak Stick & Stay: Designed for hearing aids with strong, skin-safe adhesive.
How to Apply Stick & Stay or Tape
- Peel off one side of the backing.
- Press firmly onto the underside or side of the hearing aid.
- Remove the second backing layer.
- Put the hearing aid on as usual.
How to Remove
Peel the adhesive off the hearing aid and discard it.
Preventing Hearing Aid Loss
Worried about losing your hearing aids? Loss can be stressful and costly, but there are ways to protect your investment:
- Use a Clip: The Oto-Clip attaches from your hearing aid to your clothing.
- Check Your Loss & Damage Coverage: Many hearing aids come with Loss and Damage protection. You may only pay a deductible for a replacement.
- Wear Them Daily: Your brain adjusts best with consistent hearing aid use—don’t let fear of loss keep you from hearing well.
Additional Tips from an Audiologist
- Schedule regular hearing aid maintenance visits.
- Consider custom earmolds for a more secure fit.
- During sports, wear a sweatband over your hearing aids to keep them in place.
- Ask about sport clips or hearing aid “ear hooks” designed for athletes.
Final Thoughts
Hearing aids are an investment in your quality of life. With proper fitting, accessories, and care, you can keep them securely in place—no matter your hairstyle, activity level, or ear shape. If you’re struggling, visit your audiologist for adjustments. Often, the fix is quick, inexpensive, and makes a world of difference.