Wearing face masks in conjunction with hearing aids has presented a unique problem.
Most hearing aids, approximately 75%, sit behind the ear. Most face masks have an elastic that stretches behind each ear and holds the mask in place.
The elastic from the mask can easily catch the hearing aid, and when taking off the mask, it can cause the hearing aid to fall out.
We have had far too many patients in the last couple of months lose hearing aids when taking off their masks.
Solutions
Fortunately, there are some solutions.
One solution is to wear a different style of face mask. Not all masks have elastic that stretches over the ear. Some have a tie in the back, while others loop around the neck.
These types of masks are much less likely to cause a hearing aid to come out. If possible, consider wearing one of these masks with hearing aids.
Another solution is to modify the way the mask is removed.
When removing a mask with the elastic, most of us grab the bottom portion of the elastic (near our jaw and earlobe) and pull the elastic up over the top of our ear.
This motion frequently causes the mask to catch the hearing aid and can easily flick the hearing aid out of the ear.
Alternatively, if the top portion of the elastic is grabbed (up near our temple or by the sideburns), it can then be pulled down over the back of the ear. This motion tends to leave the hearing aid undisturbed.
Hearing and Balance Doctors Can Help You with Your Face Mask
If you have questions or would like an in-person demonstration, please feel free to contact our clinic.
We are happy to help with this issue or any other hearing aid issues regardless of where you purchased your hearing aids. Our clinic, Hearing & Balance Doctors, is staffed entirely by doctors of audiology who specialize in all makes and models of hearing aids. Call us at (435) 688-8991.
