Hearing Aid Myth Busters

While millions of people are affected by hearing loss, it remains a disability that does not receive much focus. The general public receives very little education on the effects of hearing loss or how to address it. They must seek out answers on their own. This is reflected in many of the common questions patients ask about hearing loss and hearing aids. A prior article answered the most common ones. Here are a few more frequent inquiries.

How Often Should I Wear My Hearing Aids?

As a rule of thumb, it is recommended to wear the hearing aids as much as possible. Especially during the initial adjustment phase, consistent use helps your brain to adapt more quickly. That is, it will take less time for the signal to sound more natural. When hearing aids are worn sporadically, your brain in excited by the “new” sounds it is noticing every time you use them. Studies also show that wearing hearing aids helps to maintain good memory function.

Of course, there are times when it is recommended that aids not be worn; for example, when sleeping. If you happen to fall asleep while wearing hearing aids, it will not damage the devices or cause the wearer any harm, aside from possible discomfort. In fact, some patients who live alone like to keep one on to feel safer at night. But most people remove them at night. Rechargeable hearing aids require removal, as they need to be charged nightly.

It is also advisable to not wear hearing aids when swimming or bathing, as this can damage the devices. (If you have waterproof hearing aids, this is not a concern.) They should also be removed when around loud sounds like machinery or firearms. Hearing aids are able to differentiate between soft, average and loud sounds and process them differently. However, they do not protect the ears from dangerously loud sounds. Thus, hearing protection should still be worn in such situations. Overall, you will figure out what works best based on your lifestyle.

What Happens if I Lose My Hearing Aids?

First, it should be noted that losing a hearing aid is a fairly rare occurrence. When fit properly, they stay in the ear very securely. But life happens. If a hearing aid does get lost, retrace all your steps and look in every possible crevice. Hearing aids are relatively small and good at hiding. Also check places that seem less likely, such as the clothes hamper. Hearing aids can get pulled off when removing shirts or sweaters. Take a day or two of searching to be entirely certain. Once you have confirmed it is lost to the abyss, call your audiologist.

All hearing aids come with a warranty, usually three years. Part of the warranty covers repairs. The other portion covers loss. Within the lifespan of the warranty, the manufacturer will replace each hearing aid one time for a small fee. The fee will vary from office to office, but is typically pretty nominal compared to the cost of a new hearing aid. You must contact the audiologist, as manufacturers don’t allow the patients to order replacements themselves. If the same hearing aid is lost a second time, you would then be responsible for the cost of a new aid.

It should be noted that some manufacturers do offer the ability to track missing hearing aids, like locating a lost cell phone. The manufacturer’s app must be downloaded and paired to the aids for this feature to work. You can press “Find My Hearing Aids” and the app will provide you with their general location. Oticon is one manufacturer that allows for tracking. Phonak does not. The audiologist will be able to let you know whether this feature comes with your specific model. But, again, it always requires the app to work.

Do I Need to Clean My Hearing Aids?

Fortunately, modern hearing aids are very durable and require only simple maintenance. If you have a receiver-in-the-canal or in-the-ear aid, there is a filter on the end of the wire called a wax trap. It should be changed once a month to ensure that the signal is not being blocked by earwax. A tissue, dry cloth or brush can be used to remove debris from other portions of the aid. If your aid has a tube, the tube should be replaced every six months, as a hard tube can distort sound.

Always feel free to contact your audiologist with any questions that may arise. QCBN

By Jeff Lane, Au.D.

Trinity Hearing Center is located at 1330 N. Rim Dr., Suite B in Flagstaff. For more information, visit the website at TrinityHearing.net. Jeff Lane is a doctor of audiology with a passion for improving the lives of others. Dr. Lane may be reached at 928-522-0500 or at audio@trinityhearing.net.