Hearing aids are an excellent treatment option to help improve communication clarity for the 15% of U.S. adults with hearing loss and caring for your devices is crucial to the continued enjoyment of the many benefits they offer. If you’re new to hearing aids, you likely have questions about their maintenance and usage. One frequently asked question involves the appropriate times for wearing and removing them.
In most cases, wearing your hearing aids as consistently as possible is recommended, with exceptions for activities like showering, swimming and sleeping—even for brief periods. If you’re someone who enjoys daytime naps, it’s important to understand why it’s best to remove your devices before diving into dreamland and how to safeguard them effectively.
Your hearing aids are invaluable tools for enhancing your quality of life with hearing loss. Let’s take a look at some key reasons to remove them before taking a nap.
Risk of Damage
Sleeping with hearing aids exposes them to potential damage from compression against couch cushions and pillows or disappearance amidst bundles of bedding. Devices like behind-the-ear models are particularly susceptible to damage due to their external placement. Removing your devices and placing them safely in their case can help prevent these dreaded naptime damages.
Hygiene Concerns
Wearing hearing aids without breaks for cleaning or resting your ears can elevate the risk of ear infections or irritation. Allowing your ears and devices a break during sleep can help mitigate these risks while simultaneously improving your naptime comfort.
Battery Preservation
While hearing aid batteries are designed for longevity, leaving your devices in during sleep can needlessly drain them. Preserve your battery by removing and powering down your devices when not in use.
To safeguard the health and longevity of your hearing aids, remove and store them in their designated case before settling in for a nap. If you’re worried about missing crucial auditory cues while asleep, consider investing in alternatives such as vibrating alarm clocks, bed shakers or phone alerts to stay informed.
For comprehensive guidance on caring for your devices, reach out to Sharp Hearing – The Audiology Center today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.
