Going to the hospital can be a stressful experience. Many of us experience heightened anxiety at the thought of a hospital admission. For the millions of Americans with hearing loss, a hospital visit can present unique challenges.
If you wear hearing aids, you’re already aware of how important these devices are. They play a key role in your day-to-day life. They improve your hearing ability, and make it easier to pay attention to your surroundings. This is especially important if you’re going to be admitted to hospital. You’ll want to be alert and feel empowered to engage with those around you.
If you’re going to be an in-patient in hospital, these simple tips can help keep your hearing aids safe.
7 Tips for Hearing Aid Users Who are Staying in a Hospital
Don’t let your hearing aid devices be a source of added stress during a hospital stay. Keep them safe and in good working order with these 7 tips for hearing aid users staying in hospital.
- Use A Container – This is a simple, yet effective way to keep your hearing aid devices safe. Use a designated container, and keep it stowed securely on your nightstand. Make sure to safely stow your hearing aids in the container when they’re not in use.
- Careful Placement – You may be tempted to set your hearing aids down on your food tray for a while. Avoid this temptation, as it risks your hearing aids going missing or getting damaged. When not wearing your devices, store them safely.
- Don’t Put in your Pockets – Pockets, they’re so handy! But not so much for your hearing aid devices. Yes, it can be all too easy to just drop them into your pocket. But it’s also easy to forget that they are there! And the last thing you want is your hearing aid devices accidentally being thrown into the laundry.
- Give Your Batteries Breaks – If you’re not going to be wearing your hearing aids for a prolonged period of time, such as when you’re sleeping, remove the batteries. Leave the battery door open to help reduce moisture in your devices. This can help prolong battery life.
- Use Friends and Family – You may be more tempted to just leave your hearing aid devices at home. While we would always encourage you to wear them, we totally understand! If you’re going to be leaving them safe at home, use your friends and family to help communicate.
- Let your Medical Team Know – Don’t be shy to tell your medical team about your hearing loss. If you have concerns that you may not be able to hear correctly, tell them in advance. Sometimes it just takes reminding people to improve your listening experience.
- Plan Ahead – Planning ahead for your hospital stay is a great way to keep your hearing aids safe. Not many places will assume responsibility for lost items like hearing aids or glasses. Keep a list of your personal items. This checklist can help your loved ones keep your hearing aid devices and other personal safe.
If you have a hospital stay coming up, our hearing healthcare specialists would be happy to check out your hearing aid devices. Book an appointment with the Hearing, Balance & Speech Center team by calling (203) 208-3678 or request an appointment online.