Choosing your costume from one of Augusta’s stores and adding your favorite spooky activities to your calendar are just two of the fun things Halloween brings. If you’re among the more than 13% of people in the U.S. aged 12 and over who have hearing loss, you need to make sure your hearing aids don’t get damaged this season.
Halloween Hearing Aid Risks
A few things that might put your devices at risk this Halloween include physical damage from headwear, face paint, hairspray and party games like bobbing for apples.
Tips To Reduce the Risk to Your Hearing Aids
Take the following steps to keep your hearing aids safe this Halloween:
- Apply makeup and hair products carefully. Face paint, hairspray and cosmetic glitter can interfere with hearing aid performance if they get into the devices—and at the very least, they’ll make your devices sticky. Apply these products before inserting your hearing aids. You can also use protective covers designed for your devices or remove them temporarily while getting ready to help prevent accidental damage.
- Choose hearing aid-friendly costumes. Oversized hats, snug masks and tight-fitting helmets may push against your hearing aids or knock them out of position. Look for a costume that leaves enough room for your devices to fit securely and comfortably throughout the festivities.
- Secure your hearing aids. Halloween activities often involve plenty of running, dancing and moving around. Hearing aid clips or retention accessories can help keep your devices in place and reduce the risk of losing them during the evening.
- Be mindful of water and messy activities. Water, glue, glitter and other craft supplies can damage hearing aids. If you plan to participate in apple bobbing, remove your devices beforehand and make sure your ears are completely dry before putting them back in. During craft activities, keep your hands clean and avoid handling your hearing aids until any sticky or messy substances have been washed away.
Don’t let Halloween interfere with your hearing aid health. If you notice any signs of damage, like distorted sound or cracking on the external casing, following the holiday, contact Augusta – Aiken ENT & Allergy to schedule a service & repair appointment with one of our specialists.
Sources
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