Best Times to Use and Remove Hearing Aids
If you have hearing loss, hearing aids can help make your daily life better, improving communication, awareness, and your overall physical and mental well-being. For these reasons, it's best to wear them from when you get up until you’re ready to sleep. That way, you can hear all the important sounds in your life. However, there are specific times when you should wear them and moments when it's best to take them out.
In this article, we’ll break down when to use your hearing aids and when not to so you can reap their benefits without risking unnecessary damage.
When Is the Best Time to Use Hearing Aids?
The best time to wear your hearing aids is when you’re awake. It’s especially helpful to wear them while doing some of your favorite activities:
- At work
- Spending time with loved ones
- Socializing
- Watching television
- Talking on the phone
Using your hearing aids while you’re awake keeps you connected to the sounds around you. An added bonus: Regular usage helps your brain adjust to the amplified sound, making conversations and daily activities easier (and more enjoyable). From there, hearing aid accessories like Bluetooth connectivity can tailor your devices to your specific needs and lifestyle.
No, you shouldn’t sleep with your hearing aids in. Not only are they uncomfortable to sleep in, but most hearing aids are rechargeable, which means they’ll need to charge for about 6-8 hours in order to work the next day.
When you take them out for the night, don’t just leave them on your bedside table. If your hearing aids use a standard battery, remove the battery and store them in a dry, safe place (such as a drying box or case) overnight. This helps prevent moisture buildup and keeps them in good condition longer.
Keeping your hearing aids clean is another great way to make them last. Here are our tips for cleaning your hearing aid domes.
Yes! Many modern hearing aids have Bluetooth technology so you can stream music from your phone, tablet, or other devices. Some even have customizable settings for an optimal music-listening experience, reducing distortion and enhancing clarity.
However, wearing hearing aids at concerts may not be in your best interest. If you’ll be around loud sounds, consider removing your hearing devices. For many concerts you should wear ear plugs to reduce the potential damage to your hearing.
We’ve put together some helpful tips for when you go to a concert and find your ears ringing afterward.
Don’t wear your hearing aids in the shower. While most hearing aids are water resistant, they’re not fully waterproof. Water can damage internal components, which can mean costly repairs or replacements. Always remove your hearing aids before bathing or showering.
If you do forget to take them out before you shower, don’t panic. Here are a few tips for dealing with wet hearing aids.
Struggling to hear? Take our free hearing test!
Start nowHearing Aids and Sports: When to Wear
Many modern hearing aids are designed to be water-resistant and durable, which means they’re ready to make the journey while you’re jogging, hiking, or cycling. However, in more high-impact sports such as football or wrestling, it's best to take them out to prevent damage.
To keep your hearing aids secure, try retention accessories. Similar to cords or straps used for eyeglasses, these retention tools will prevent your hearing aids from being lost or damaged. Your audiologist may even recommend the best solutions to stay active while protecting your device.
Weighing different hearing styles? Take our quick online hearing aid quiz to learn which style may be right for you.
When Should You Not Wear Hearing Aids?
To recap, let’s look at when to take out your hearing aids:
- Sleeping. Sleep more comfortably while your hearing aids charge.
- Showering, bathing, swimming. Prevent water damage and keep your hearing aids in good condition. Remember, even water-resistant models shouldn’t be submerged.
- During loud noise exposure. In an extremely loud environment, such as a concert or construction site, you may want to remove your hearing aids and use earplugs to protect your hearing from getting worse.
Get the Hearing Help You Need
If you think you’d benefit from hearing aids, don’t delay. Addressing hearing loss early can directly impact your physical and mental health. Talk to an audiologist near you about getting hearing tests and understanding if you have hearing loss.
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