The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports, “In 2019, 7.1% of adults aged 45 and over used a hearing aid.” If you’re one of this number and you’re anticipating staying in the hospital, it’s important that you’re prepared to manage your hearing aids. We provide tips for this below.
Pack a Carrying Case
One of the most important things you should bring with you is your hearing aid carrying case. If your devices didn’t come with one, you can purchase one from a local drugstore. Every time you take your hearing aids out of your ears, they should be put in the carrying case so they’re not lost or damaged.
Store Them Consistently
When your hearing aids are packed safely in their carrying case, another thing to consider is where to keep this. Never put it on your food tray, or you risk it being discarded with your lunch leftovers. You should also avoid putting it in any clothing, or it might be put through the laundry. Instead, put it in your bedside drawers or in your suitcase.
Bring Extra Batteries
Another necessity is extra batteries. The last thing you want at the hospital is for your batteries to die, not have any spares on hand and be left unable to hear your care team. Bringing extra batteries – even more than you think you’ll need – can prevent this unfortunate situation.
Keep Up on Nightly Cleanings
Even though staying in the hospital will throw off your routine, it’s important you don’t sacrifice nightly cleanings. When you take out your devices for the night, be sure to wipe them down with a soft, dry, clean cloth, remove stubborn wax with a wax pick/wire loop and open the battery doors and brush out the compartment.
Communicate with Your Care Team
Your care team must know about your hearing loss and hearing aids so they can make any necessary accommodations. Tell them about your preferred communication strategies, and make sure they give you time to put your hearing aids back in before they start sharing important updates or information.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with a hearing expert, call Sharp Hearing – The Audiology Center today.
