Here’s what the ReSound Quattro manual says on inserting and removing HA’s with domes (bolding my emphasis):
Insertion:
- Hang the hearing aid over the top of the ear.
-
Hold the receiver wire, close to the receiver housing and gently place/push the dome into the ear
canal.
- Push the dome far enough into the ear canal so that the wire lies flush with the head (check with
a mirror).
Removal:
-
Hold the receiver wire, close to the receiver with your thumb and index finger.
-
Gently pull to remove the receiver.
With molds, the manual advises against using the wire to remove and says to use the mold or its tab. And for insertion to solely press on the mold itself.
Also, on cleaning and deterioration over time:
CAUTION: DO NOT USE ALCOHOL OR OTHER SOLVENTS TO CLEAN YOUR HEARING AIDS;
THE PROTECTIVE COATING WILL BE DAMAGED.
10.1 Cleaning earmolds
- Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the earmold clean.
10.2 Cleaning the receiver wires and domes
The receiver wire and the receiver dome should be cleaned regularly.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe down the receiver wire and dome.
i
NOTE: Do not use water when you are cleaning the receiver wires or the receiver domes.
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NOTE: Receiver wires may become stiff, brittle, or discolored over time. Contact your hearing
care professional regarding receiver changes.
I vaguely recall that in questioning my audi about possibly stressing the wires, e.g., pulling on the wire to remove, she said something like, “Yes, over time they may break. It’s not a big deal relative to the cost of the HA to replace them. It’s easily done.”
So it seems basically if the wires don’t break, they may be so stiff or ugly that you want to have them changed anyway. Since I’m only 2.5 months into my first HA’s, I’ve got a lot to learn firsthand!
The manual also mentions on insertion of receivers with domes that if you don’t position the dome & wire correctly, that may be a cause of whistling.