It’s important to keep your hearing aids in as much as possible, especially if you’re new to wearing them. That’s because your brain needs time to relearn the sounds it’s been missing due to your hearing loss. However, there are times and places that you should avoid wearing your devices.
Where to Wear Your Hearing Aids
A good rule of thumb is to wear your hearing aids during most waking hours. If you’re new to hearing devices, you may feel overwhelmed by the amount of sounds you hear again. A ticking clock or humming fridge could present new auditory distractions.
Analyzing lots of sounds at once can overstimulate your auditory system. The more often you wear your hearing aids the sooner your brain will learn to ignore background sounds.
Here are some places you should wear your hearing aids:
- At social gatherings
- In restaurants
- In outdoor spaces like parks
- At a store
- At work
- At home (even if you’re alone)
When to NOT Wear Your Hearing Aids
While you’re sleeping: Your brain continues to process sounds when you’re asleep. Wearing your hearing aids when you’re sleeping can make it difficult to get a good night’s rest. You also run the risk of smashing your devices or losing them.
While you’re bathing: Exposure to moisture affects the electrical components of your hearing aids. Remove your devices and place them in a secure location to avoid a hearing aid disaster.
During aquatic activities: Don’t wear your hearing aids if you’re swimming, water skiing, wakeboarding, canoeing, surfing or participating in other water sports. Some of the newest hearing aids are water resistant but they aren’t waterproof and can sustain moisture damage. You may also get water trapped in your ears and develop an ear infection.
During a haircut: Even an expert stylist could bump or nick your hearing aids. Take your devices out during your haircut and pop them back in at the end of your appointment.
While applying hair or skin care products: Sunscreen, lotion, hairspray and perfume can build up on the surface of your devices. Put your hearing aids in after you apply those products.
In dangerously loud environments: Wearing hearing aids at events like concerts or sports events exposes your ears to dangerous noise levels and vibrations that could cause further damage.
What Should I Do if My Hearing Aids Get Damaged?
- Remove your devices and conduct a visual inspection to check for cracks, moisture and broken parts.
- Dry them if they are exposed to moisture. Clean them with a soft cloth or hearing aid tool.
- Allow the battery compartment to dry overnight if it’s wet. Swap in new hearing aid batteries.
- Turn your hearing aids on and consult the manual for troubleshooting instructions.
- Contact your audiologistif your devices continue to malfunction.
Hearing Aid Adjustments and Repairs at Hearing Associates
You’re hearing health is our top priority. So, whether you’re looking for a hearing aid cleaning, repair or upgrade, our dedicated team is ready to help. Call 888-760-2032 or schedule your appointment online.