A study published in the International Journal of Audiology reports, “The majority (80%) of adults aged 55–74 years who would benefit from a hearing aid, do not use them. Furthermore, many people given a hearing aid do not wear it.” The researchers found, “The most important issues were around hearing aid value, i.e. the hearing aid not providing enough benefit, and comfort related to wearing the hearing aid.”
This may tie into the fear that your hearing aids could fall out, causing them to be lost or damaged. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening, which we review below.
Consider Your Activities
Do you enjoy working out at The Fitness Loft Columbus? If so, activities like these should prompt you to take some precautions. You may want to take out your hearing aids before exercising and stow them in their carrying case somewhere safe like your bag or locker, as long as you can still hear what others say.
Get a Lanyard
A hearing aid lanyard is a cord with a clip that attaches your hearing aids to your clothing. This way, during vigorous activities, if your hearing aids do happen to fall out of your ears, they’ll still be attached to your person so they don’t get lost or damaged.
Ensure They’re in Right
One of the reasons your hearing aids may be falling out is that they’re not being inserted right. First, make sure you have the correct hearing aid in the correct ear. Then, make sure they’re sitting flush with your ear canal for smaller models, or your earlobe for larger models.
Replace Your Inserts
Another reason your hearing aids may be falling out because of your inserts – too large, they won’t go in your ears all the way, and too small, they won’t stay in place. Alternatively, it may be the case that your inserts are too old. Foam tips should be replaced every two to three weeks and silicone ones should be replaced every four to six months.
Check for Earwax
If you wear hearing aids, it prevents earwax from being able to work its way out of the ears and can lead to a buildup. If your earwax has become impacted, it can push your hearing aids out of your ears. To remove it, apply over-the-counter eardrops and irrigate your ears in the shower, or visit Columbus Speech and Hearing to have it expertly removed. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call Columbus Speech and Hearing today.