You probably invested in hearing technology in order to hear your best. Devices like hearing aids can help you do just that, better than ever before—so long as you’re wearing them. 

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If you’re like most people, you probably purchased your devices with the intent of wearing them to help you hear better. Since you need help to hear all the time now, you probably thought about when you’d wear them and how they’d help you—not when you’d take them out. 

Yet you’ll need to remove your devices at some points. So when should you take them out?

When You’re Sleeping

While hearing aids are designed to help you hear better, you’ll probably want to hear better during the day—not at night while you’re trying to sleep. Your hearing devices can make it difficult to sleep since they pick up all kinds of noise you might not otherwise hear. It’s useful during the day, but less so when you’re trying to sleep. 

In addition, wearing your hearing aids at night can be uncomfortable since they may press on your ear or head. They are also at risk of falling out in the bed while your turn or roll over. 

Removing your hearing aids and turning them off while you sleep is also a great way to conserve their batteries. You and the devices will both get a well-deserved break.

When You’re Bathing

While some of today’s devices may be water-resistant, it’s not a good idea to intentionally get them wet. As a preventative measure, you should remove your devices whenever you shower or bathe. Doing so keeps them dry and working longer.

If You Go Swimming

Much like you need to take your hearing aids out when you shower, you should also take them out when you jump in the pool. The same reasoning applies here: While your devices may be water resistant, they’re not waterproof.

To keep them in their best working order, keep them dry—and out of your ears while you’re swimming.

When They Need Maintenance

If your hearing aids aren’t in good working order, they may need to be repaired. If your devices seem to be malfunctioning, a good rule of thumb is not to put them in your ears. In most cases, loaner hearing aids may be available from your audiologist if your device needs repair.

Your devices also need to be cleaned on a regular basis. You might need to change the wax filter or clean the vent. While you should clean your hearing aids on a daily basis—perhaps in the morning before you put them in—they may need a more thorough cleaning sometimes.

If They Get Wet

If your hearing aids are wet—say after you’ve accidentally jumped in the shower with them in—take them out and let them dry. If you live in a humid climate or live an active lifestyle, you may need to remove them to allow them to dry on a more frequent basis. A hearing aid dryer can help you keep your devices dry and in the best possible condition.

At Your Discretion

Some people put their devices in and leave them in almost constantly. Others prefer to pop them in and out, depending on what they’re doing. This is especially true of people who live active lifestyles and who are concerned about protecting the devices from certain situations or conditions. 

If you are exposed to loud sounds such as during use of power equipment or if you are enjoying a concert, it may also be a wise time to remove your hearing aids. In these situations, it may be best to opt for the use of hearing protection.

Of course, there are situations when you should absolutely leave them in—such as when you’re driving. Not being able to hear while you’re driving can be dangerous; you may not hear an approaching train at a crossing, emergency sirens, or another driver honking their horn to alert you of danger.

Contact us today to book an appointment with a doctoral-level audiologist and learn more about hearing aid maintenance and care.

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