To keep your hearing aids in excellent working order, you must stick to a regular maintenance regimen. However, there are many things to keep in mind when sleeping with a hearing aid, particularly those that might cause them to malfunction and need their replacement.
The following is a list of dos and do for sleeping with hearing aids:
Hearing Aid Dos
1. Use a Bedside Table Lamp
If you do not have complete silence, you can use a bedside lamp instead of a flashlight. However, check the lamp first to ensure that it doesn’t emit any electrical or electronic noises.
2. Invest in a Sound Conditioner or Sound Machine
You can buy a simple sound conditioner that covers the room smoothly, soft sleet. It will cover any remaining sounds in the room without causing loud static.
3. Keep Your Pillow Away from Your Hearing Aids
Try to keep your pillow away from your hearing aids because your pillow can be a magnet for dust and dirt. In fact, it can cause a lot of problems for them, too, so make sure to keep your pillow clean and free from dust and dirt.
4. Do Not Use an Electric Blanket
You should also avoid using an electric blanket. Its wires can damage your hearing aids and cause them many problems.
Hearing Aid Don’ts
1. Do Not Drown Out Noises with Loud Music
Putting a pair of headphones over your ears prevents your hearing aids from picking up noise. You will get a lot of static because of the low volume of the music, and you will still get woken up because of the noise. You should instead invest in a simple pair of earplugs. Make sure that you choose a pair that is not too big to fit in your ear canal.
2. Do Not Use a Pillow That Contains a Microfiber or Synthetic Material
Do not use a pillow with a synthetic material such as microfiber, foam, feathers, or foam. This is because these materials are dust magnets. Dust will stick to them and travel with the wind. It will then quickly get inside your ear. Pillows made of microfiber can also stick to your hearing aid and move it to another place, which is undesirable.
3. Do Not Overuse Your Heating Pad
Heating pads are wonderful for aching muscles, but there is a risk that you can get a burn if you sleep with your hearing aids. The heat generated by the heating pad can cause damage to your device. They are also not as comfortable compared to a regular pillow.
4. Do Not Use Earplugs Regularly
Earplugs can cause damage to your hearing aids. If you have to use earplugs regularly, you should instead invest in a special pair of earplugs made for people who wear hearing aids. These earplugs have a cutout that allows your earmold to fit in comfortably. They are also shaped to fit in your ear canal.
Tips for Proper Cleaning and Upkeep
Cleaning hearing aids once or twice a month is sufficient. However, if you reside in a polluted area, you should clean them weekly.
You have two cleaning options: washing with mild soap and water or a special cleaning unit. Most individuals choose a cleaning unit since it is easier and faster.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that you need to sleep with hearing aids to hear correctly. Your brain is working and digesting information while you sleep, which you’re mostly unaware of.
If you sleep wearing them, it improves their performance for the next day. Since sleep aids sound processing, you are more likely to hear noises clearly and accurately while awake.
If your unit malfunctions, visit your audiologist and get them checked. With proper care and upkeep, your hearing aids will last you for a long time.
Contact us at Hear More Associates, the best hearing clinic in the greater Boston region, to learn more about maximizing your hearing aids. We will help you make the most educated and sensible choice regarding your hearing care requirements. Get your free hearing test in Lexington today!