From haunted houses to costume parties, Halloween is full of opportunities to celebrate with family and friends. However, if you’re part of the 15% of U.S. adults with hearing loss, costumes, loud noises and seasonal activities may present challenges for your hearing aids. A few simple precautions can help you protect your devices while you enjoy everything the holiday has to offer.
Halloween Hazards for Hearing Aid Users
Between crowded parties and outdoor adventures, Halloween can expose hearing aids to several potential risks, including:
- Costume accessories. Masks, wigs and oversized hats can press against hearing aids or knock them out of place.
- Moisture and debris. Sweat, rain, makeup and glitter can interfere with device performance.
- Accidental loss. Trick-or-treating, dancing and other activities may cause hearing aids to shift or fall out.
Four Ways To Protect Your Hearing Aids
Keep these tips in mind before heading out for Halloween festivities.
- Get ready before inserting your devices. Apply makeup, hairspray and face paint before putting in your hearing aids. This helps prevent cosmetic products from getting inside the microphones and speakers.
- Test your costume for comfort. Try on masks, hats and wigs while wearing your hearing aids. Make sure nothing presses against your devices or interferes with their fit.
- Keep your devices dry and secure. If it’s raining heavily, grab some protective covers to go over your devices while outside. If you intend to go bobbing for apples or doing any other water-based Halloween games, remove your hearing aids before diving in.
Before bed, inspect your hearing aids for moisture, debris or visible damage. Clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions and store them properly overnight.
Halloween should be about making memories, not worrying about your hearing aids. If you notice distorted sound, reduced volume or other performance issues after the festivities, contact Benke Ear Nose & Throat Clinic to schedule a repair and service appointment with one of our specialists. We’ll inspect your devices and get them back up and running in no time.
Source
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2024). Quick statistics about hearing, balance, & dizziness. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing