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Karsten Asked October 28, 2024

My elderly mother cannot figure out how to put in her hearing aids.

We recently had molds made for her, it was supposed to be idiot proof.
She has mild dementia, but her whole life has had trouble with anything technical/mechanical. Even though she was her high school valedictorian she never learned to drive, use even a flip phone, I think she has some kind of learning disability
I am going to contract the occupational therapist who was working with her in her outpatient rehab. She is officially discharged from that but thought maybe she had ideas.
Has anyone here had that issue and have any ideas?

JoAnn29 Oct 29, 2024
The molds can be too big too. If she has arthritis in her hands, this maybe the problem. My DH wears over the ear. He has to plave tge mold in his ear than twist a little to get the overhead part over his ears. The audiologist should be able to help Mom learn to put them in. Being highly intellegent has nothing to do with how Denentia progresses. The brain is dying and memory is effected first. Mom may need help now putting her aids in.

cwillie Oct 29, 2024
I think this is a comprehensive guide Karsten

https://www.hearinglife.ca/hearing-aids/types?gclsrc=3p.ds&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=CA_LG_Hearing_aids|WEB-BING-SEM&utm_content=CA_LG_Hearing_aid_types_EX&utm_term=types%20of%20hearing%20aids

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anonymous144448 Oct 29, 2024
People with dementia lose executive functioning early on. That might explain her trouble.

Her hearing aids might be idiot proof but they might not be dementia proof.

cwillie Oct 29, 2024
The smaller they are the more difficult, I hope you didn't opt for in the canal hearing aids. Is there a buy back guarantee?
Karsten Oct 29, 2024
Thanks, what is the alternative to in the canal?
Geaton777 Oct 29, 2024
My Mom is 95 and has trouble with the over-the-ear style ones because she has neuropathy and arthritis in her fingertips and fingers. Maybe your Mom can't feel them...?

MidwestOT Oct 28, 2024
I would first try to figure out what the actual issues are, e.g. fine motor, perceptual, visual deficits, lack of concentration or understanding what she’s doing, etc. Have you observed her trying to put them in? What do you notice?

If she’s able to physically complete the task and understands what the hearing aids are and where they go, you might have a chance with repetitive instruction. And I mean really repetitive over time. I would also wonder if she has been wearing hearing aids for a long time and if so, why she stopped. If she is new to hearing aids, it’s going to be very difficult. If she’s been wearing them, maybe the new “molds” are confusing. Then, of course there’s the challenge of remembering to put them in and remove them(without losing them). Managing hearing aids is tough; I might have more thoughts with additional information.
Karsten Oct 29, 2024
Thanks, yes, the molds are new and I am guessing your idea is right

The problem was they were always falling out before so audiologist suggested these custom molds

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