Ask an Expert: Can You Sleep with Hearing Aids In?
Q: What Happens if I Sleep With My Hearing Aids In?
A: Hearing aids are meant to be worn during your waking hours to stimulate your brain’s sound-processing centers and support better communication. However, they’re not designed to be worn while sleeping.
Wearing them at night can interrupt your sleep, as it makes unwanted noises louder, such as subtle rustling movements or background sounds. They may also press against your ears, which could cause discomfort or irritation, and in some cases lead to ear infections.
To keep your hearing aids performing at their best, place rechargeable hearing aids in their charging dock overnight so they’re ready for you in the morning.
For devices with disposable batteries, turn them off and store them in a dry, sealed container with a drying capsule to protect against moisture
The best approach is to follow your hearing care professional’s recommendations and stick to a consistent routine for wearing, cleaning, and storing your hearing aids. This helps your devices last longer and perform their best for you.
Find your nearest hearing center.
Q: Is It Okay to Nap With Hearing Aids?
If you choose to nap with them, try to rest on your back or make sure your ears are comfortable – this helps avoid pressure and keeps your device safe.
Just be mindful of any movement that could cause discomfort to your ears or damage to the device.
Ideally, it’s recommended that you remove your hearing aids when not in use, but if that’s not ideal in some situations, take extra care to protect your ears and the device.
Q: What Should I Do With My Hearing Aids at Night?
Making this part of your nighttime routine helps your hearing aids stay reliable and ready to support you each new day.
Q: Are There Hearing Aids Designed for Overnight Wear?
Q: How Many Hours a Day Can You Wear Hearing Aids?
If you are new to hearing aids, begin with a few hours a day and gradually increase your wearing time as you feel comfortable. Focus on wearing them during important moments whether at work, school, or spending time with family and friends.
Want to Learn More?
Sources:
1 Journal of the American Academy of Audiology: Hearing Aid Use and Mild Hearing Impairment: Learnings from Big Data (September 2017): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28906244/
Ear and Hearing: Amount of Hearing Aid Use Impacts Neural Oscillatory Dynamics Underlying Verbal Working Memory Processing for Children With Hearing Loss (March 2022): https://journals.lww.com/ear-hearing/fulltext/2022/03000/amount_of_hearing_aid_use_impacts_neural.15.aspx
