Many hearing aid users wonder whether they can safely leave their devices in while sleeping. This question is especially relevant for those who rely heavily on their hearing aids and may be concerned about missing important sounds during the night, such as alarm clocks, smoke detectors, or family members calling for help.
Key Takeaway: Audiologists and hearing aid manufacturers generally recommend against wearing hearing aids while sleeping. While occasional overnight use might not cause immediate damage, regular overnight wear can significantly reduce device lifespan, increase the risk of ear infections, accelerate battery drain, and potentially cause physical discomfort or injury.
The Expert Consensus: Remove Hearing Aids at Night
The overwhelming consensus among hearing healthcare professionals is that hearing aids should be removed before sleeping. This recommendation is based on several important factors related to device longevity, ear health, and overall comfort.
- Emergency situations where you need to remain alert
- Travel scenarios where you’re staying in an unfamiliar place and need to hear alarms
- Medical monitoring when you need to hear caregivers or medical devices
- Temporary tinnitus management (with audiologist guidance)
- Specific therapeutic protocols prescribed by hearing healthcare providers
- Moisture buildup can damage internal components
- Increased risk of ear infections due to poor ventilation
- Physical discomfort or pressure sores from prolonged contact
- Battery drain shortening the operational life
- Accelerated component wear reducing device lifespan
- Feedback issues from contact with pillows and bedding
- Mechanical damage from movement during sleep
Risks of Wearing Hearing Aids While Sleeping
Let’s examine in more detail the potential risks associated with keeping hearing aids in overnight:
1. Moisture Damage to Hearing Aids
During sleep, your body temperature increases, and you naturally perspire. This creates a warm, humid environment inside your ear canal that can be detrimental to hearing aid electronics.
According to hearing aid manufacturers, moisture is one of the leading causes of hearing aid malfunction. The sensitive electronic components in hearing aids can corrode when exposed to moisture over prolonged periods. This is particularly problematic with in-the-ear (ITE) and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) models, which are fully inserted into the ear canal.
2. Increased Risk of Ear Infections
Wearing hearing aids creates a sealed or semi-sealed environment in your ear canal. When worn overnight, this can prevent proper airflow and create conditions favorable for bacterial growth.
Otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors) note that the risk of external ear infections (otitis externa) increases with prolonged hearing aid use without adequate ventilation periods. This is particularly true in warm, humid climates or for individuals who perspire heavily.
3. Physical Discomfort and Potential Injury
Hearing aids are designed to be worn during waking hours when you’re conscious of any discomfort and can adjust their position as needed. During sleep, you may not be aware of pressure points or irritation.
Extended contact in one position can lead to:
- Pressure sores in the ear canal
- Skin irritation or breakdown
- Inflammation of the outer ear
- Increased earwax impaction
Additionally, movement during sleep can potentially push custom-fit hearing aids deeper into the ear canal, causing discomfort or making them difficult to remove.
4. Accelerated Battery Drain
Modern digital hearing aids are sophisticated electronic devices that continuously process sound. Wearing them during sleep means they’re operating for an additional 6-8 hours each day, even when their function isn’t necessary.
This unnecessary operation leads to:
- Faster battery depletion
- More frequent battery replacements (for non-rechargeable devices)
- Reduced battery lifespan (for rechargeable devices)
- Potentially higher long-term operating costs
5. Reduced Device Lifespan
Hearing aids are a significant investment, typically lasting 3-7 years with proper care. Wearing them continuously without giving the components a rest period can potentially reduce their operational lifespan.
Audiologists report that patients who routinely wear their hearing aids overnight often require repairs more frequently and may need to replace their devices sooner than those who remove them for sleeping.
Special Consideration: Feedback Issues
When you lie down with hearing aids in, the devices may come in contact with your pillow or bedding. This physical contact can cause acoustic feedback (whistling), which is not only annoying but can also damage the hearing aid receivers if persistent. The feedback also consumes additional battery power and can potentially be loud enough to disturb your sleep.
Proper Overnight Hearing Aid Care
Instead of wearing hearing aids overnight, hearing healthcare professionals recommend establishing a proper nighttime routine for your devices:
Wipe your hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth to remove any moisture, earwax, or debris that accumulated during the day.
Open the battery door (for non-rechargeable models) to allow any trapped moisture to evaporate and to disconnect the battery circuit.
Place hearing aids in a dehumidifier or drying container specifically designed for hearing devices.
Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and pets or children.
Hearing Aid Dehumidifiers: Worth the Investment
Hearing aid dehumidifiers are specifically designed to remove moisture from your devices overnight. These come in two main types:
- Electric dehumidifiers: Use gentle heat to remove moisture and may include UV-C light to disinfect.
- Desiccant dehumidifiers: Use moisture-absorbing beads or crystals (often silica gel) to draw out humidity.
Many audiologists consider dehumidifiers an essential accessory, particularly for users in humid climates or those who perspire heavily. These devices significantly extend hearing aid lifespan by preventing moisture-related damage.
Alternatives for Overnight Hearing
If you’re concerned about not being able to hear important sounds while sleeping without your hearing aids, consider these alternatives:
- Vibrating alarm clocks: Place under your pillow or mattress to wake you with vibrations
- Bed shakers: Connect to alarm systems and vibrate the bed when triggered
- Visual alert systems: Use flashing lights to indicate alarms, doorbells, or phone calls
- Smart home systems: Can be programmed to provide visual or physical alerts
- Low-frequency alarms: Use 520 Hz tone that’s easier for people with hearing loss to detect
- Strobe light alarms: Provide visual alerts alongside auditory ones
- Connected systems: Can trigger bed shakers or smart home alerts
- Monitoring services: Alert emergency services if alarms are triggered
- Intercom systems: With visual and vibrating alerts
- Baby monitors: With visual indicators for parents with hearing loss
- Door knock signalers: Flash lights when someone knocks
- Personal alerting devices: Allow others to trigger vibrating receivers
“While it might seem convenient to wear hearing aids 24/7, giving both your ears and your devices a rest period overnight is essential for long-term ear health and device performance. The small inconvenience of removing them at night pays dividends in device longevity and reduced ear problems.”
— American Academy of Audiology
Frequently Asked Questions
Occasionally falling asleep with your hearing aids in is unlikely to cause significant damage. If this happens:
- Remove them as soon as you wake up
- Clean them thoroughly
- Place them in a dehumidifier if available
- Check for any signs of moisture damage
- Consider using a drying box for 24 hours if you’re concerned about moisture exposure
However, try not to make this a regular occurrence, as repeated overnight wear can shorten your hearing aid’s lifespan.
While no hearing aid type is recommended for regular overnight use, behind-the-ear (BTE) models generally present fewer issues than in-the-ear styles if occasional overnight wear is necessary. This is because:
- The main electronic components sit outside the ear, reducing moisture exposure
- They typically allow more airflow to the ear canal
- They’re less likely to cause physical discomfort or pressure sores
However, even BTE models should not be routinely worn while sleeping.
Some hearing aid models (like Lyric) are specifically designed for extended wear, including during sleep. These devices:
- Are placed deep in the ear canal by a professional
- Can be worn for months at a time
- Are designed with materials and ventilation to minimize moisture issues
- Include special battery technology for extended use
If 24/7 hearing aid use is important to you, discuss these specialized options with your audiologist to determine if they’re appropriate for your specific hearing needs and ear anatomy.
Several technologies can help you stay alert to important sounds without wearing hearing aids:
- Smart home systems: Connect to your smartphone and can be programmed to provide visual or tactile alerts
- Alerting systems: Specialized for people with hearing loss, these systems can monitor for doorbells, phones, alarms, and create visual or vibrating alerts
- Bed shakers: Connect to alarm clocks and emergency systems to physically wake you
- Service animals: Hearing dogs can be trained to alert you to important sounds
Your audiologist can recommend specific alerting systems that are compatible with your home setup and specific concerns.
Some people with tinnitus (ringing in the ears) find that hearing aids or sound generators provide relief by masking the internal sounds. If tinnitus significantly disrupts your sleep:
- Discuss specialized tinnitus management options with your audiologist
- Consider dedicated nighttime tinnitus maskers rather than wearing hearing aids
- Explore bedside sound generators specifically designed for sleep
- Ask about cognitive behavioral therapy for tinnitus (CBT-T) to improve sleep
If your audiologist recommends wearing hearing aids for tinnitus management during sleep, follow their specific guidelines for care and maintenance.
Conclusion: Balance Hearing Needs with Device Care
While it may be tempting to wear hearing aids around the clock for continuous access to sound, the consensus among hearing healthcare professionals is clear: removing your hearing aids overnight is best for both ear health and device longevity.
By establishing a proper nighttime routine for your hearing aids—cleaning, opening battery doors, and using dehumidifiers—you can significantly extend their lifespan while giving your ears necessary time to breathe and recover.
For those concerned about missing important sounds during sleep, specialized alerting devices offer effective alternatives that allow you to remain aware of your environment without compromising the health of your ears or the longevity of your valuable hearing devices.
If you have specific concerns about nighttime hearing needs, consult with your audiologist for personalized recommendations based on your unique hearing profile, lifestyle, and living situation.
Turning Life up Through Better Hearing
For over 30 years, California Hearing Center has been helping people improve their lives through better hearing. Our experienced audiologists can provide personalized advice about hearing aid care, maintenance, and specialized solutions for your nighttime hearing concerns.
Or call us at (650) 342-9449
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