Keeping hearing aids on at night

Understanding the feasibility and risks of sleeping with hearing aids

Can you sleep with hearing aids on?

Yes. However, it is best to remove your hearing aids at night in order to let your ears rest and allow your hearing aids recharge. In order to prolong the battery life of your device, make sure to store them in their designated case on your bedside table.

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Risk of sleeping with hearing aids

If you accidentally fall asleep with your hearing aids in your ears, there is no risk of malfunction. The real danger is the discomfort of wearing the hearing aids or losing them during the night. It is a good idea to get into the habit of storing your hearing aids in a safe place to avoid misplacing them. 

Why shouldn't you sleep with hearing aids in?

Below, we will explore in detail the reasons why its best to refrain from wearing hearing aids at night:

Risk of losing your hearing aids

Sleeping with your hearing aids on increases the risk of misplacing them or losing them, especially at night, particularly due to unintentional movements while sleeping.

Ear pain

Ear pain may be caused by sleeping with your hearing aids positioned behind your ears. The pressure and friction exerted on the ears in this position can cause distress and/or discomfort. 

Battery drain

Leaving your hearing aids on at night also drains the battery unnecessarily. It is important to remove them and open the battery door to prevent accidental battery drain when you are not wearing them. If you use a rechargeable hearing aid, the best and easiest time to recharge them is at night.

Whistling sound from hearing aid

If your hearing aids touch sheets or pillows, they can produce unwanted noises that disrupt your sleep, such as rustles or whistles, due to the microphone's proximity to the object.

Discomfort in the ears

When lying on your side, both BTE and ITE hearing aids may cause rub and put pressure on your ears, leading to pain and discomfort. Additionally, depending on the setting used, powerful hearing aids may also pick outside noises during the night, disrupting your sleep cycle. 

Best practices for hearing aid usage at night

To maintain good hearing health and ensure your hearing aids function properly, it is best to follow best practices for hearing aid usage at night. Despite claims that hearing aids might help improve sleep, it is important to keep in mind that removing them whenever possible and regularly maintening and cleaning them can ensure they function properly for several years.
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