No matter your age, Halloween is a fun holiday full of candy, costumes, and spooky decorations. However, if you're using hearing aids for seniors as a result of age-related hearing loss, or if your child or grandchild was born with some level of hearing loss, there are some extra steps to keep in mind before heading out. Here are five tips to make Halloween fun and safe for those with hearing aids:
1. Check Your Batteries
Whether you have mild hearing loss, moderate hearing loss, severe hearing loss, or profound hearing loss, hearing aids and cochlear implants can help you hear better. But like all electronics, they require batteries to function. So if you're planning on wearing your hearing aid while trick-or-treating, make sure the batteries are fresh and charged. It's also a good idea to bring along a few extra batteries, just in case, to ensure your hearing aids work all night long!
2. Prepare For Fall Weather
When you're wearing hearing aids in Pittsburgh, it's important to keep the weather in mind. In the fall, temperatures can fluctuate wildly, so you'll want to make sure your hearing aids are properly cleaned and dried before heading out. In addition, be sure to check the weather forecast for rain. Rain can damage even the best hearing aids, so if it's in the forecast, bring an umbrella with you!
You might also find it helpful to bring a flashlight. Though trick-or-treat usually starts before the sun goes down, by the time kids are headed home with all their candy, it might be pitch black outside. A flashlight can help you see better and also signal to drivers that you're out and about.
3. Embrace Your Inner Artist & Ditch The Mask
If your costume involves a hat or mask, you might want to rethink it. Unless your hearing aid sits entirely in the ear canal, it's likely that the mask will block the sound from reaching your hearing aid. And if you're wearing a hat, it might not fit snugly enough to stay in place if you're moving around a lot.
Instead, try painting your face to match your costume. You can still look festive and have fun with your makeup, but you won't have to worry about your hearing aid or cochlear implant getting in the way. Just make sure to wash it off before bed!
4. Be Mindful Of Your Surroundings
When you're out trick-or-treating, background noise may quickly become an issue. Party music, screaming children, and honking cars can all make it difficult to hear clearly. If you find yourself in a noisy situation, try moving on to a quieter spot.
It also might help to plan out your route in advance. The safest trick-or-treat route will always be one that's well-lit, through familiar spaces, and features sidewalks. However, if one of your neighbors is known for going over-the-top for Halloween with music, sound effects, and even animatronics, it might be best to avoid their house altogether.
Luckily, many hearing aid companies use background noise reduction technology. This can help filter out some of the background noise, making it easier to focus on the person in front of you. Speaking of hearing aid technology…
5. Utilize The Latest Hearing Aid Technology
For both the young and the elderly, hearing aid technology has come a long way in recent years. The newest models now offer Bluetooth connectivity, which can be a major game-changer on Halloween night.
If you have a hearing aid that's compatible with Bluetooth, you can connect it to your smartphone and use it like a hands-free device. This can be helpful for answering the door when trick-or-treaters come knocking, or for keeping in touch with your child if they're trick-or-treating without you.
Some digital hearing aids even have built-in GPS tracking, so you can always know where your child is. And if you lose your hearing aid during the night, many models now come with a find-me feature that will help you track it down.
With the right precautions and a little bit of planning, there's no reason why hearing loss should stop you or your child from enjoying a fun and spooky Halloween!
Visit Francis Audiology
If you're looking into purchasing hearing aids, the expert audiologists at Francis Audiology are here to help. From hearing tests to custom hearing aids, we'll work with you to find the best solution for your hearing needs.
Keep in mind that some insurance plans provide hearing aid coverage, while others do not. We can help you check if your insurance cover hearing aids, and if so, what type and style of hearing aid might be covered.
To learn more about hearing aids or to schedule an appointment, contact us today!
Whether you need a hearing test or want to purchase hearing aids, the expert audiologists at Francis Audiology are here to help. Schedule an appointment for hearing aids online today!
