Should You Sleep with Your Hearing Aids In?
Sleep is a critical time for the body to recharge, but for those with hearing loss, it’s also a time to give your ears a break from wearing hearing aids throughout the day. The more you wear hearing aids, the easier it becomes, but your ears deserve a rest. The hearing care professionals at Sound Advice Hearing Doctors in MO, AR, and OK are often asked if users should sleep with their hearing aids. For the majority of users, bedtime is the perfect chance to give your ears a healthy pause from your devices.
Reasons Sleeping with Hearing Aids Isn’t Recommended
While the idea of sleeping with hearing aids might seem harmless, there are several reasons why it’s not the best habit to develop. Most of these are to avoid hearing aid problems or damage, and our hearing care professionals have noted the top reasons why it’s best not to sleep with your hearing aids if that’s something you’ve been considering.
Unwanted Noise
Wearing your hearing aids to bed might disrupt your sleep. Various hearing aid styles, such as the ever-popular behind-the-ear (BTE) models, tend to produce feedback when an external force — like a pillow or blanket — interferes with their sound pathways. In the silence of the night, this feedback is not only noticeable but can also be distressing, leading to a restless night of sleep.
It’s Uncomfortable
Hearing aids are durable devices designed to withstand daily wear and tear. Their bodies are made from hard acrylic materials. Wearing devices is comfortable during day-to-day activities, but when the pressure of your head or ear is pressed upon them, it can be uncomfortable, causing you to toss and turn throughout the night.
They Might Get Damaged
There is a risk of damage to the device if you sleep with your hearing aids. The pressure from lying on your hearing aid can bend components, potentially impacting their functionality. As mentioned, they’re created to be durable, but microphones and amplifiers are small components that require care.
You Might Lose One or Both
The small size of these devices also poses a potential problem. How many of us have woken to find pillows overturned or blankets askew? Everyone moves around a bit during the night, whether or not they know it. In the worst-case scenario, a hearing aid could be jarred loose from the ear and lost amongst the pillows and blankets or within the crevices of the bed and mattress. Hearing aid replacement will be required eventually, but preferably at the end of the device’s life, not because one is lost.
The Uncomfortable Truth
Unfortunately for some, the physical discomfort of wearing hearing aids at night isn’t confined to tossing and turning. The hard plastic and circuitry nestled against the delicate folds of the ear can lead to soreness and irritation. Continuous wear also increases the likelihood of moisture buildup within the device, which can be a common cause of malfunctions and a shortened lifespan for the hearing aid.
Falling Asleep Without Falling into a Habit
An occasional nap with your hearing aids is not a cause for alarm. It’s the persistent habit that poses the most risk. If falling asleep while watching TV or reading has become a regular thing, it’s probably time to reevaluate your routine to complete your daily activities that require the hearing aids, and then safely store them as you get ready for bed.
A Time to Recharge
Modern technology has delivered rechargeable hearing aids, a benefit that does away with the inconvenience of changing batteries and encourages a daily ritual: plugging in the aids for the night, akin to our own nightly charges. If you have rechargeable batteries in your hearing aid, nighttime is the ideal time to recharge those batteries for the following day.
Safe Storage Solutions
For those with non-rechargeable aids, the best practice is to remove and store the devices carefully, following the manufacturer’s instructions. A case or dedicated spot on a bedside table can be a reliable solution. Be sure to follow all cleaning instructions that come with your hearing device to keep them working their best.
What to Do If Hearing Aids Are Damaged
Accidents happen, and any damage to the device from sleeping with hearing aids or any other wear and tear might be able to be fixed without complete hearing aid replacement. Our team is equipped to handle hearing aid repairs in many cases. If you have a hearing aid warranty, we can discuss what repairs will be covered under it.
Your Trusted Team for Hearing Health
Sound Advice Hearing Doctors locations in MO, AR, and OK are dedicated to providing adults with services and hearing aids so they can take charge of their auditory health. If you ever have questions about your products or concerns about hearing, contact us for professional assistance. Visit a location near you or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
