According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “About 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from using hearing aids,” and it’s easy to see why!
Hearing aids give you the freedom and confidence to navigate your daily life, from running errands in downtown Ruston to enjoying a latte out with friends at Seventh Square Coffee.
However, even though hearing aids can help in so many different situations, one time when you don’t need them is while you’re sleeping.
Why You Don’t Wear Hearing Aids to Bed
Many users appreciate the feeling of security that hearing aids give them when it comes to hearing important sounds. For that reason, you might think it would be helpful to keep your hearing aids in at night. However, there are several key reasons why they need to be taken out.
- You need to avoid earwax buildup. When you wear hearing aids, it makes it harder for earwax to move out of the ear naturally. Giving them a break at night can help reduce earwax buildup. Too much earwax buildup can lead to irritation, tinnitus, fullness in the ear and ear infection.
- Your hearing aids need to dry out. Wearing hearing aids every day exposes them to earwax, moisture and other debris that can cause damage to the device if they aren’t cleaned and able to dry out at night. Make sure to wipe them off with a soft, dry cloth or clean them with a soft-bristled brush after taking them out and store them somewhere cool and dry while you sleep.
- It’s not comfortable. When you lie down, your hearing aid can press into the skin of your ear, which can cause discomfort and make it harder to sleep.
- Feedback can keep you up at night. If the microphone in your hearing aids rubs against a pillow, it can create a scratchy sound or high-pitched whistling, known as feedback. This can wake you up in the night and prevent both you and your partner from getting a good night’s rest.
- Your hearing aids need to charge. If you use rechargeable hearing aids, nighttime is the perfect time to recharge your device. After you clean them, place your hearing aids in their charger, and when you wake up, they will be ready to go for a full day of activities.
How To Know if Hearing Aids Are Right for You?
If you need others to repeat themselves more frequently or are struggling to hear the TV, schedule an appointment for a hearing test. If your results show that you have hearing loss, your audiologist will work with you to find a pair of hearing aids that make it easier to hear the sounds that are most important to you.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our providers, call Advanced Audiology & Hearing Aids today.
