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Which Hearing Aid Retention Cord Clips to my Hearing Aid?

Introduction

The small letters and numbers found on a hearing aid receiver are important when purchasing retention cords, domes, filters and replacement receivers. These letters and numbers show important information that can help you save money and time when purchasing compatible accessories for your hearing aids.

The Make and Model of the Receiver is Important

Many hearing aid accessories are made specific to the make and model of the receiver. By knowing the make and model of a receiver you can successfully purchase accessories for your hearing aids. This article focuses on explaining the journey to finding the retention cord compatible with your hearing aid when browsing our online store.

Retention Cords

Hearing aid retention cords have many names:

  • Hearing aid retention wire
  • Hearing aid sport locks
  • Hearing aid tails
  • Hearing aid retention anchor locks
  • Hearing aid retention locks

The purpose of the hearing aid retention cord is to keep the hearing aid secure and from falling out. When the hearing aid retention wire keeps popping out it may not be placed correctly in the ear. The image below shows a hearing aid retention wire that is correctly locked in place and keeps the hearing aid from popping out of the ear.

What is a Hearing Aid Receiver?

A receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aid has several basic components. There is the receiver wire, microphone ports, hearing aid body, and the dome or custom earmold. 

The hearing aid receiver wire is the cord-like structure attached to the hearing aid body. 

Sound is received through the hearing aid microphone ports and sent to the hearing aid processor where the sound gets amplified. The sound is then sent through the receiver wire and into your ear so then your brain can process the sound.

Receiver Numbers and Letters Explained

When you remove the dome or custom earmold off the hearing aid receiver you are left with just the receiver. 
On most receivers, there is a distinct colour and you will see some combination of letters and numbers. There are 3 important components to this letter-number combination (side, strength, and length). 

The Colour
The colour represents which side the hearing aid belongs to.
Red color - Right hearing aid
Blue color - Left hearing aid

The Single-Digit Number

The single-digit number represents the length of the receiver. 

0 - Extra small
1 - Small
2 - Medium
3 - Large

Double-Digit Number and Single or Double Letters
The strength of the receiver is represented by either a two-digit number or by a single or double letter.

Starkey:
40- Low power
50 - Medium power
60 - Power

Oticon
60 - Low power
80 - Medium power
85 - Power

Other manufacturers:
S- Standard power, M - Medium power, P - Power, UP - Ultra Power, LP-Low Power, MP-Medium Power

What is a Retention Cord? 
A retention cord is a small flexible silicone or plastic wire that can attach to the hearing aid receiver on only receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aids. The purpose of a retention cord is to loop around the shell of your ear to secure the hearing aid in place to avoid it from popping out when chewing or talking or to hold it securely so it doesn’t fall out completely during movements or physical activity.
Retention Cord Types Explained

Retention cords come in many different names. When shopping for retention cords you may see that they are called these different names not to worry they all refer to the same product. Hearing aid retention cords may also be referred to as hearing aid retention wire, hearing aid sport locks, hearing aid tails, hearing aid retention anchor locks, or hearing aid retention locks.

On the Omni Hearing online store, when browsing for our Retention Anchor Locks Collection, finding a compatible hearing aid retention wire is important. 

How to Find the Compatible Hearing Aid Tail

  1. Identify the make and model of your receiver
  2. Browse the retention cord options at our  Retention Anchor Locks Collection
  3. Sort the page by "Filters" to view the manufacturer your hearing aid belongs to. This will help narrow down the options
  4. Click "Brand" under "Filters"
  5. Select the box of the manufacturer brand you want to view
  6. Now the products are filtered to what you selected in the previous steps. Here you can pick the retention cord that matches the make and model of your receiver

Conclusion

If you are unsure about which hearing aid accessory is right for you, our clinical team of hearing healthcare professionals who are educated on hearing aids and accessories will gladly assist you with your order and questions. 

Buy Hearing Aid Retention Cords for Sale Online Now 

Buy Hearing Aid Retention Cords for sale online now in Canada with Omni Hearing!

Retention Anchor Locks Collection

Message a Hearing Health Care Profession for Hearing Aid Accessory Support

To message a hearing healthcare professional for hearing aid accessory support:

  1. Go to the Omni Hearing Canada Online Store
  2. Click the chat button to ask us anything about our products.