Hearing aids that won't stay in due to odd shaped ear.... help!

[ColdToTheBones]

Family member has desperate need for hearing aids. One side fits fine, but the other side is apparently an odd shaped ear and just won't hold any hearing aid. When the wearer chews food or tanks, the aid works it's way out.

Is there ANYTHING that can be done? Just hoping there just be someone else out there who has an odd and unconventionally shaped ear!

There are options out there as it is a problem for many people. Your family member should speak to their Audiologist.

It depends on a few factors, but there should be options. Are they NHS or private? In the ear or behind the ear aids?

They've tired both in the ear and hanging over the ear, both are an almost equal problem. But it's just on that one ear.
They've tried NHS and private, but although the private aids are much clearer, it doesn't help to keep them in that one tricky side. It's all been overseen by the audiology people who supplied the private hearing aid, and they've tried so much but are kind of giving up now.

Have they tried CIC ones as they are modelled to fit the canal so shouldn’t move much .

I don't understand how behind-the-ear hearing aids could be a problem?

If hearing aids are required, the GP can refer for a hearing test and if needed hearing aids to be provided on the NHS. Most simple cases of age-related mild hearing loss are dealt with under contract with other organisations, such as Specsavers, who provide the service (which the NHS pays for). This includes tests, hearing aids and necessary accessories, batteries, and follow-ups.

Sometimes ear moulds are required (depending on the nature of the hearing loss being corrected). These should be custom fit from impressions taken approximately annually (with one to two sets being supplied per year - more if they are lost, become uncomfortable or split sooner), and so shouldn't work their way out.

This is a good source of information about all things related to hearing aids, hearing loss and also tinnitus:

rnid.org.uk/

I'm sure their helpline could give tailored advice about the problem you have detailed, and support to make sure the private service is providing what is required properly, and/or to get an NHS referral.

A full shell mould might be the only way to go then, either in an in the ear aid or behind the ear. That way it's not just the ear canal providing the retention, it's held it by the helix.

Has anyone tried a matte coating? It means it's not shiny lacquered so can provide a bit more grip in the ear. Also don't use any lubricating oils in the ear/no olive oil/Vaseline. I had someone once who's hearing aid kept loosening in the canal and it transpired eventually that they put Vaseline on their ear every day to help get it in!

I think they've had moulds made and they had some sort of sticky coating to try and help adhere the aid, but it doesn't matter whether its over the ear or inside, moving the jaw pushes it out. Oddly enough the inner ear type fit better but it still popped out during a meal.

That seems very extreme then. If a conventional hearing aid just isn't working for them in any shape or style then you might want to seek referral on the NHS for the likes of a bone anchored hearing aid if it's appropriate.