Keeping Your Hearing Aids Safe: A Guide for Pet Owners

Pets and hearing aids are both important to your daily happiness – your furry friends provide companionship and love, while your hearing aids help you stay connected to the world around you, including those happy barks and purrs. But when curious pets meet hearing aids, it can create some challenging situations.

Dogs and cats are naturally drawn to hearing aids. The devices can look like toys, and they pick up interesting scents from daily wear. This curiosity can put your hearing aids at risk of being chewed, batted under furniture or even swallowed, which isn’t safe for your pet or your device.

Your hearing aids help you communicate with family, enjoy favorite activities and even keep track of what your pets are up to. Protecting them from pet-related mishaps isn’t about choosing between your hearing aids and your pets – it’s about creating habits that keep both your devices and your furry family members safe.

With some simple precautions, you can ensure your hearing aids and pets coexist peacefully, letting you enjoy the best of both worlds.

Why Are Pets So Intrigued by Hearing Devices?

Pets are naturally curious creatures, and they are especially drawn to objects that have both an interesting smell and sound. Hearing aids, being small and often easily accessible, tend to catch their attention. One reason pets are attracted to hearing aids is due to the high frequency sounds these devices emit. While humans may not hear these sounds, pets, particularly dogs and cats, can detect them because of their acute sense of hearing. These subtle noises may intrigue or even comfort your pet, prompting them to explore your hearing aids, sometimes through chewing or playing with them.

Another factor is scent. Pets rely heavily on their sense of smell to understand their surroundings and connect with their owners. Since hearing aids are worn close to the body, they pick up your personal scent over time. To your pet, this familiar smell can make the device even more enticing, as they often associate it with you. By understanding that your hearing aids are both a sensory and scent-based attraction for your pets, you can take the necessary precautions to keep your devices safe from their curious paws and mouths.

How Do Pets Get a Hold of Hearing Aids?

Pets are naturally curious animals when it comes to items that are tiny and simple to get a hold of. Since hearing aids are small, they can be easy for pets, particularly dogs and cats, to find and carry off. Whether left on a nightstand, desk or counter, the devices are typically within reach and can be tempting to pets who are exploring their environment. When hearing aids are left out in the open, it only takes a curious sniff or paw to draw them in. For pets, these devices might appear as new toys, and their interest often leads to chewing or pawing at the devices.

Pets can also gain access to hearing aids through their acute sense of smell. As these devices are worn close to the body, they absorb personal scents that are familiar to pets, making them even more enticing. When you leave your hearing aids unattended or in easy-to-reach places, your pets may be drawn to investigate and their natural curiosity could result in the device being chewed on or moved.

Selecting an Appropriate Storage Case and Space

When selecting an appropriate storage case for your hearing aids, it’s important to consider a case that is secure, durable and designed for easy access. A hard-shell case offers the best protection, as it will keep the devices safe from pets and prevent accidental damage from drops or impacts. Look for a case with a snug, closing mechanism like a zipper or a snap to ensure your hearing aids are safely contained. Additionally, choose a case that is large enough to store any accessories like cleaning tools and batteries, but compact enough to fit easily into a drawer or shelf. Some cases are even designed with a compartment for drying your hearing aids, which is an added benefit to keep moisture away.

The space where you store your hearing aids is just as important as the case you choose. Ideally, you should place the case in a location that is off the floor and out of your pet’s reach. Consider storing your hearing aids on a high shelf, inside a locked drawer or on a sturdy piece of furniture, like a nightstand or a desk. These spaces should be free from pets’ prying paws and noses. You may want to avoid placing your hearing aids in areas like bathrooms or kitchens, where they may be exposed to humidity or heat, which could damage the devices. Keeping them in a dry, cool and safe environment ensures they remain in good working condition.

Another useful tip is to create a consistent habit of storing your hearing aids in the same spot every time. By making this a routine, you can reduce the chances of misplacing them or leaving them in areas where pets could find them. If your pet is particularly curious or prone to investigating your belongings, you might want to consider investing in a storage case with extra security features like a childproof lock or magnetic closure. Regularly check that the space you’ve chosen remains pet-proof and that your hearing aids are secure before leaving them unattended.

What to Do if Your Pet Gets Your Hearing Aid?

If your pet grabs your hearing aid, the first priority is to make sure your animal is safe. Check your pet for any signs of distress, especially if they’ve chewed on or swallowed part of the device. Keep a close eye on them for any unusual behavior, like drooling, choking or difficulty breathing, which could indicate that they’ve ingested something harmful. If you suspect your pet has swallowed your hearing aid or any part of it, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice and assistance. Your pet’s health is the most important thing to address before dealing with your device.

Once you’ve ensured that your pet is OK, it’s time to handle your hearing aid with care. If you see your pet with the hearing aid, remain calm and try not to panic. Sudden movements or loud noises could turn the situation into a game for your pet, making it more difficult to retrieve the device. Instead, distract them with a toy or treat to encourage them to drop the hearing aid willingly. This tactic helps avoid further damage to the device and may also prevent your pet from running away with it. If the hearing aid is still in good condition, carefully inspect it to make sure no parts have been chewed or compromised.

After retrieving the hearing aid, give it a thorough inspection for any visible damage. Look for bite marks, cracks or any signs that could affect its functionality, like a broken microphone or receiver. If the device appears to be damaged, take it to your hearing health professional as soon as possible for a detailed inspection and repairs. If it’s no longer working properly, they will likely send it to the manufacturer for more extensive repairs. Act quickly to avoid any further damage; and remember, most hearing professionals can provide prompt assistance in these situations.

Signs Your Hearing Aid is Damaged

If your pet has gotten a hold of your hearing aid, there are several signs to look for that might indicate it has been damaged. One of the most obvious signs is physical damage to the device. Check for visible cracks, bite marks or dents on the surface, especially around the microphone or speaker. If your hearing aid is a model that has a small, removable battery, ensure that the battery compartment is still intact and that the battery hasn’t been chewed or damaged. If there are any noticeable marks or irregularities, it’s a sign that the device may no longer function properly.

Another sign that your hearing aid may have been damaged is a change in its performance. If the device isn’t turning on, is emitting distorted sounds or if the sound quality has noticeably declined, it could indicate internal damage. You might also notice that the volume seems off, or the hearing aid starts to malfunction intermittently. In some cases, pets may chew on wires or parts that aren’t immediately visible, so if the device seems to be working less effectively, it’s worth checking thoroughly.

Seeing an Audiologist for Repairs

If your hearing aid has suffered minor damage from your pet, an audiologist can often help with quick repairs. For example, they can fix issues like a clogged microphone, replace worn-out components like ear tips or tubing, or clean out any debris that might be affecting the device’s function. Audiologists are well-equipped with the tools and expertise to handle these smaller repairs on the spot, ensuring your hearing aid is working properly again. They can also offer advice on how to care for your hearing aid in the future, reducing the likelihood of further damage.

For more extensive damage, like broken internal components or severe physical damage, your audiologist will likely need to send your hearing aid to the manufacturer for repair. In these cases, the audiologist will carefully package the device and work with the manufacturer to ensure that any complex repairs are handled by specialists. Throughout this process, your audiologist will keep you updated on the status of your hearing aid, letting you know when it’s expected to be returned and if any additional steps are needed. This ensures that you’re always in the loop and can stay informed on when to expect your device back in full working condition.

How to Pet-Proof Your Hearing Aids

Coexisting with pets while maintaining the safety and functionality of your hearing aids is a task you can handle. It requires understanding, proactive steps and patience. But let’s be honest – the happiness our furry friends bring to our lives makes these efforts worthwhile.

If you have further concerns or questions about keeping your hearing aids safe from pet-related incidents or need assistance in dealing with a mishap, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Our team at ChEARS Hearing Center is here to assist you. Contact us at our San Diego, CA office at (619) 717-2601 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

We’re here to provide the support and guidance you need. After all, clear communication is crucial for enjoying life’s precious moments – including those shared with our four-legged companions!