An estimated 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from hearing aids. In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids are the perfect option for patients with mild to moderate hearing loss who want a subtle look. The tiny devices fit snugly in your ear canal with a thin pull wire for insertion and removal.
Unfortunately, with small devices comes a greater chance of misplacement. If you’ve ever lost your keys or found yourself with only one earbud to your name, you know how easy it is to leave something small behind. Let’s take a look at a few tips to ensure you keep your ITC hearing aids exactly where you want them: in their case or in your ears.
1. Store Hearing Aids in Their Case
Many fall into the habit of sliding their devices into their pockets or placing them on their night table. While setting your devices down wherever is closest is convenient, doing so only increases the likelihood of loss. Instead, put your hearing aids into their case the second you remove them.
2. Keep Them Out of Reach of Pets and Children
To you, hearing aids are an essential part of how you communicate with the world. To children or pets, they’re fun things to play with or swallow. Store your devices high up, preferably in a closed drawer, to keep your devices from becoming breakfast.
3. Make a Checklist
It’s easy to fall out of the habit of putting your hearing aids in their cases, in a safe place. A nightly checklist helps ensure you don’t forget them between cleaning and going to bed. Here’s a sample checklist:
- Clean hearing aids
- Place hearing aids in their charging case
- Plug in the charging case
- Place the case on the dresser, in a drawer, etc.
You know your nightly routine best. You could include brushing your teeth, reading 20 pages of a book or anything else you want to accomplish before your head hits the pillow.
4. Use Your GPS App
Without realizing it, you could have left your devices at work, the grocery store or the counter at Sweeteria during your morning coffee run. Many newer hearing aids have GPS available through companion apps that let you track your devices. If you lose your hearing aids, head straight to the app to find their last location.
For more information on caring for your hearing aids or to schedule an appointment, contact Hearing Center Silver Spring today.