"retainers"?

The ‘retainers’ are a legacy left-over from the thin-sound-tube days.

I remove them in at least 95% of my fittings.

However do NOT simply slide the ‘retainer’ off the speaker can … the sharp edge at the rear of the can will then be exposed, and this might scrape your ear canal.

Leave the ‘retainer’ exactly where it is … BUT … slice off the ‘tail’ where it joins the rectangular base of the retainer.

You will need a sharp craft knife to do this so be VERY careful : do this at a table, with bright lighting and with a medic on standby. Cut AWAY from your body and hands and also make sure you don’t cut the cable insulation. If in any doubt about your dexterity, eyesight etc do NOT do this!

You may need to trim any sharp remainders too as these can cut your ear canal.

So you will end up with a smooth rectangular plastic ring sitting on the speaker can. This ring will ensure the sharp retaining edge of the can won’t scratch your ear canal.

I am definately not disturbed by someone seeing my hearing aids. Hell, I’m proud to show that I DID something about my hearing loss. On the other hand, a small piece of plastic hanging out of my ear is not acceptable!. I got them removed and don’t worry about that any more.
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