How to Avoid Losing Expensive Hearing Aids
If you wear hearing aids, or care for someone young or old who wears them, you probably know (or dread knowing) that sinking feeling in your stomach when you discover that they are lost.
Because hearing aids are so light and small, they can become misplaced very easily, or they can simply fall out of the ear. This becomes a big problem for the hearing impaired because hearing aids aren’t only an aid—they are a necessary part of daily life. Losing them can be a stressful, emotional experience, not to mention expensive.
A great way to avoid losing or breaking hearing aids is to use hearing aid clips. These are an extremely convenient way to keep track of hearing aids. Clips are available for both BTE (behind the ear) and ITE (in the ear) hearing aids, whether wearing two (binaural) or just one (monaural).
If you’re considering hearing aid clips, it’s important to know that not all clips are created equal. Some work better than others, depending on wearers’ level of activity, what type and size of hearing aid they use, and where they want the clips to attach.
Consider the following when selecting the right accessory to keep from losing hearing aids:
Where does the wearer prefer to attach the clips? They are available to attach to clothing, eyeglasses, and behind the neck. Decide which of these makes the most sense and will be the most comfortable, and try that type of clip first.
How active is the hearing aid user? If the person is fairly active, there are clips made with a longer cord and come with sleeves to protect them from sweat moisture and dirt.
Does the hearing aid user wear eyeglasses? If so, some clips are made to connect to eyeglasses instead of clothing or behind the neck, and the wearer may find this more comfortable and convenient. Ear Gear offers the best option for attaching to eyeglasses.
Are the hearing aids large or small? Keep in mind that whether the hearing aids are large or smaller, there are silicone bands available to securely keep them in place, reducing the risk of them simply falling out of the ear(s).
Does the hearing aid user have arthritis or dexterity issues? If so, some clips are better for these issues than others. Certain clips may be challenging for someone who struggles with mobility, so make sure to select clips that don’t require much fuss to put on and take off.
Hearing aid clips that attach to clothing are popular because it’s more difficult to lose something that’s attached to your clothes, right? However, these may not work best for those that have difficulty using their fingers.
And, if you’re concerned about cleanliness, there are protective sleeves available for hearing aids. As mentioned before, these sleeves help keep moisture and dirt at bay and are especially useful for wearers who exercise actively. If loss prevention is your biggest concern, Loopum Hearing Aid Connector without the sleeve is a great option for BTE wearers.
Overall, which BTE binaural clips are the most popular?
Also, our behind-the-ear binaural clips are a customer favorite. They feature a longer cord, a silicone band that attaches securely to the hearing aid (as opposed to a loose loop that goes onto the tubing), and an easy-to-use clasp. ADCO’s version includes an additional silicone band set that is slightly smaller for today’s smaller hearing aids. Large bands are available for larger or FM style devices.
In addition to clips, there are other ways to make hearing aids more comfortable and stay in place. Specially-designed adhesive pads and stickers are ideal to tackle a BTE that’s been sliding around behind the ear and causing discomfort. These adhesive pads and stickers can work well alongside clips that are right for the specific lifestyle of the hearing aid user.
ADCO carries a wide selection of clips and accessories designed to keep hearing aids safe and sound exactly where supposed to be – in the ear(s) – so you can worry less about losing essential and expensive hearing aids again. If you have any questions, our helpful team can help you find the right solution.