4 Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Aids

If you’ve never worn a hearing aid before, it can be hard to fathom how you’ll adjust. Most of us understand how hearing aids work in theory, but not in practice. It becomes more perplexing when they are set to become a part of our lives.  

If you are about to start wearing a hearing aid, read the answers to these frequently asked questions about hearing aids. These should help settle your fears and worries and prepare you for this new chapter in your life.

Am I Able to Sleep in My Hearing Aids?

You can sleep with your hearing aids in your ears, but it is not a great idea. To begin with, if you are not awake to hear the intensified sound, the power to your hearing aids is being wasted, meaning you will be changing batteries all of the time. Furthermore, there is a high possibility that your hearing aid will become loose during the night and fall into the bed linen. It could quickly become irreparably damaged if it does fall out and you lie on it, meaning that you would need to replace it. Both problems are problematic, so avoid sleeping in your hearing aids if possible.

What Should I Do If My Hearing Aid Stops Working?

If your hearing aid stops working properly, it is tempting to try to solve the problem yourself. Aside from a basic clean and check over, however, this is not a good idea. Hearing aids are intricate devices, and only a hearing instrument specialist (HIS) should oversee determining the problem and taking them apart.

Can I Wear My Hearing Aids in the Shower or Bath or When I Go Swimming?

Hearing aids are extremely sensitive to moisture and must be taken out before taking a shower, bath,or going into a swimming pool. In fact, if you are intending on having any contact with water, even briefly, you should take them out. It only takes the smallest amount of exposure to moisture to cause irreparable damage to your hearing aids. Place them in a moisture-proof box if possible. This will protect them from being damaged by vapor or stray drops of water.

How Often Do Hearing Aid Batteries Need to Be Replaced?

Disposable hearing aid batteries generally last about a week, but the actual battery life expectancy is determined by how you use your hearing aids. Streaming music or audio to your hearing aids from a TV or smartphone consumes more power and depletes the batteries faster. Rechargeable hearing aid batteries, like smartphones, usually require charging each night to provide enough energy for the following day. These batteries typically have a lifespan comparable to that of the hearing aids themselves.

Of course, you are likely to have many more questions concerning your hearing aids and how to care for them and choose the right one for you. If this is the case, arrange an appointment with your hearing instrument specialist who will be able to guide you.