Even the most advanced hearing aids can underperform if they don’t stay securely in place. That’s where a retention lock, sometimes called a retention tail, sports lock, or ear grip, comes in.
It’s a small, soft piece of plastic that attaches to your receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid, sitting neatly in the bowl of your ear to hold everything steady. It takes seconds to add, yet for many people, it makes a dramatic difference in comfort, stability, and sound quality.
What Is a Retention Lock?
Think of it as an anchor for your hearing aid. The lock presses gently outward inside your ear, preventing the receiver from slipping or loosening over time. Best of all, it’s completely removable, you can try it, leave it on, or take it off at any time.
Why They Matter
Here are the three biggest reasons we recommend them to nearly every patient.
Secure Fit All Day
RIC hearing aids are designed for discretion and clarity, but they can slowly work loose as you go about your day. A retention lock keeps the device firmly in place, so you’re not constantly adjusting or worrying about it shifting.
More Consistent Sound
When your hearing aid stays in the exact position it was programmed for, your sound quality stays consistent too. That means:
- Clearer speech, even in noisy places
- Better streaming from your phone or Auracast
- Fewer issues with feedback or whistling
Small movements inside the ear can change how sound is delivered. By keeping your hearing aid stable, the lock ensures reliable amplification and performance.
Great Comfort & Discretion
Surprisingly, many people find that retention locks make their hearing aids less noticeable. By keeping the receiver wire neatly aligned, they create a cleaner, more discreet look, while also reducing the irritation that can come from constant micro-movements inside the ear.
Are They Right for Everyone?
Most people who try them keep them. But there are a couple of reasons some choose not to.
Dexterity Issues
They can feel fiddly at first. However, the lock usually moulds to your ear within a few days, making insertion easier over time.
Appearance Concerns
Some assume the lock will make their hearing aid stand out. In reality, it often has the opposite effect by keeping everything tidier and less noticeable.
Why Harley Street Hearing Recommend Them
For such a small, simple addition, retention locks deliver amazing benefits. They improve comfort, reduce feedback, and ensure your hearing aids work exactly as they were designed to.
If you wear a receiver-in-canal hearing aid and don’t already have one fitted, it’s worth asking your audiologist about adding a retention lock. It’s quick, inexpensive (often free), and could make your daily experience far better.
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Matthew Allsop is a Partner at Harley Street Hearing, and Europe’s biggest hearing technology YouTuber for Hearing Tracker, where he shares his honest opinion on all new hearing aid technology.
If you’d like expert advice tailored to you, book an appointment with Harley Street Hearing today and experience the difference the right setup can make.
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