Hearing loss is common. In fact, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, two to three of every 1,000 babies in the U.S. is born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears, and one in eight people ages 12 and older has hearing loss in both ears based on standard hearing exams.
Despite the prevalence of hearing loss, many believe there is still stigma around wearing hearing aids. While individuals may feel as though hearing aids might make them appear older, the truth is, most people probably won’t even notice if you’re wearing hearing aids. And if they do notice, they likely won’t give them a second thought.
We at Heuser Hearing Institute want you to not only be comfortable wearing hearing aids, but be confident as well! This Halloween, we’re challenging you to step out of your comfort zone and make your hearing aids stand out. Chances are, you may even get some compliments on them. Below we review tips to help you get into the spooky season by decorating your hearing aids.
What You Can Do
Here are some tips for how you can dress up your hearing aids:
- Colorforms. These and other types of removeable stickers can make your hearing aids stand out without leaving a residue once they’re removed.
- Bejeweling. Bejeweling, also known as bedazzling, kits allow you to stick rhinestones to your hearing aids and do other crafts. Be sure to double check that the glue is peel-able or can easily be removed with a hearing aid cleaner.
- Incorporate your hearing aids. Try to think of other creative ways to incorporate your hearing aids into your Halloween costume. Picking a theme like “futuristic” may be a good place to start.
What You Shouldn’t Do
When decorating your hearing aids, be sure not to:
- Use hot glue. It may seem like a good idea since it can be easily peeled off, but heat can mess with the delicate technology within your devices.
- Use super glue. Never use a permanent adhesive, as this can impact how your hearing aids fit on or in your ear.
- Use paint. Paint is messy and can easily get into the ports of your hearing aid, distort sound quality and damage the inner technology.
- Cover the ports. Whether you go with stickers or rhinestones, take care not to cover the ports, which can impact the function of your devices.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Heuser Hearing Institute today.