Concept Hearing
If you rely on your hearing aids to stay connected to the world around you, it can be tempting to wear them all the time. But just like any tech, there are times when it’s best to give your hearing aid a break. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through some simple dos and don’ts of wearing your hearing aid so you’ll know exactly when and where it’s okay to use it.
Do Wear Your Hearing Aid When…
It’s Raining
Rainy days shouldn’t dampen your desire to enjoy clear and crisp sounds. Most modern hearing aids are built to withstand light moisture, making them safe to wear during drizzles or light showers. However, it doesn’t hurt to be cautious and protect your hearing aids with an umbrella or raincoat to prevent excessive exposure to water.
You’re Exercising
Staying active and engaging in physical activities is essential for your overall well-being, and your hearing aid shouldn’t hold you back. Whether you’re jogging, cycling, or hitting the gym, feel free to keep your hearing aids on. Just make sure to secure them properly to prevent accidental loss or damage during vigorous movements.
If you’re working out extra hard, you should take care to prevent too much sweat from getting to your hearing aid, as this can cause damage. Sweatbands prevent sweat from running down into your ears, or you can buy specialist hearing aid sweat covers.
Finally, after your workout, put your hearing aids into a drying box to make sure any extra moisture is taken care of.
In Noisy Cafes and Places With Lots of Background Noise
One of the significant advantages of modern hearing aids is their ability to filter out unwanted background noise. In bustling cafes, restaurants, or other noisy environments, your hearing aid can help isolate and amplify the sounds you want to hear, enabling you to engage in conversations and enjoy the experience.
Don’t Wear Your Hearing Aid When…
You’re Swimming
Most hearing aids are not designed to be worn while swimming or in any water-related activities. Even if your hearing aid is labelled as water-resistant, prolonged exposure to moisture can cause irreversible damage. Remember to remove your hearing aids before diving into the pool, taking a shower, and participating in water sports.
If you’re a keen swimmer, there are now a couple of truly waterproof hearing aids on the market. Ask your audiologist for advice if you think this would be a good option for you.
While Having Imaging Studies (X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans)
Medical imaging procedures involving strong magnetic fields, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans, can interfere with the functionality of your hearing aids. The electromagnetic fields generated during these scans may cause damage or malfunction to the delicate electronic components. Always remove your hearing aids before undergoing any imaging studies.
While Having a Haircut
It’s important to remove your hearing aids before visiting the salon for a haircut. Trimming or styling your hair with your hearing aids on may risk entanglement or accidental damage.
Hair products such as gel, mousse, and hairspray can also damage your hearing aid. Similarly, the heat and moisture generated by a hairdryer can pose a risk to your hearing aids. So it’s best to just remove them completely until it’s time to leave the salon.
This is a bonus for introverts who hate making small talk while they’re getting a trim, but it’s less convenient if you need to communicate with your hairdresser during a restyle. Make sure you’re very clear about what you want before they start (bringing an image to refer to is always helpful) and agree on a physical communication signal such as a raised hand or tap on the shoulder if you need to discuss something during the cut.
At Loud Concerts
When attending concerts, music festivals, or any other noisy events, it is advisable to wear hearing protection earmuffs or earplugs. Excessive noise levels can be harmful, and your hearing aid isn’t designed to protect your ears.
While Sleeping
While some individuals may choose to sleep with their hearing aids on for various reasons, it’s generally recommended to remove them during sleep. Not only does this allow your hearing aids to dry and recharge properly, but it also provides your ears with a chance to rest and reduce the risk of accidental damage while moving during sleep.
Take Care of Your Hearing Aids and They’ll Take Care of You
While hearing aids greatly enhance our ability to hear and engage with the world around us, it’s important to be mindful of situations where they may not be suitable or could be at risk of damage.
By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your hearing aids while maximising their benefits in the appropriate settings. Remember, when in doubt, have a chat with your hearing care professional to get advice tailored to your lifestyle and personal needs. Concept Hearing offers hearing tests, servicing for hearing aids, and general advice for anyone in need of support with their hearing. We have clinics in Cork, so feel free to get in touch or make an appointment at any time.
