Discovering clear communication with new hearing aids can be both exciting and overwhelming. With approximately 28.8 million U.S. adults able to benefit from hearing aids, understanding how to make the most of these devices is crucial. If you’re new to hearing aids, you likely have questions about proper care and usage. One common concern revolves around wearing them during naps. Let’s delve into the importance of properly caring for your devices, even during your afternoon nap.
The Advantages of Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are essential tools that empower you to engage with your surroundings. A few benefits of embracing these devices include:
- Improved communication. By amplifying sound, hearing aids facilitate clearer conversations, improving overall communication and social engagement.
- Better quality of life. Access to clear communication and background awareness improves your quality of life by increasing independence, confidence and participation in the activities you love.
- Emotional well-being. Hearing aids can alleviate feelings of isolation, frustration and anxiety commonly associated with hearing loss, promoting emotional well-being and mental health.
A Few Reasons To Remove Hearing Aids While Napping
While wearing your hearing aids consistently is crucial to enjoying their benefits, there are times when it’s okay to remove them, including when showering, swimming and sleeping. A few reasons you should remove your devices before you hit the couch for your afternoon nap include:
- Sleeping with hearing aids increases the risk of damage, as they may be inadvertently crushed against surfaces or tangled in bedding.
- Prolonged wear can contribute to ear irritation or infection, especially if devices are not routinely cleaned. Removing them before sleep allows your ears and devices time to breathe and helps prevent potential hygiene issues.
- Leaving hearing aids on during sleep unnecessarily drains battery life. By removing and powering down your devices when not in use, you can extend their battery and reduce the frequency of replacements.
Tips for Napping With Hearing Aids
To ensure the well-being of both your hearing aids and your ears, employ the following tips for napping:
- Store your hearing aids in their designated case before napping to protect them from damage.
- Invest in alternative alert systems, such as vibrating alarm clocks or phone alerts, to keep you informed of auditory cues during sleep.
- Prioritize regular cleaning and hearing aid maintenance to minimize hygiene-related issues.
For personalized guidance on caring for your hearing aids, contact Massachusetts Hearing Group today to make an appointment with one of our specialists.