Ask an Expert: Can You Sleep with Hearing Aids In?

Natalie Calderon: Hearing aids are meant to be worn during your waking hours to stimulate your brain’s sound-processing centers and support better communication. However, they’re not designed to be worn while sleeping.

Wearing them at night can interrupt your sleep, as it makes unwanted noises louder, such as subtle rustling movements or background sounds. They may also press against your ears, which could cause discomfort or irritation, and in some cases lead to ear infections.

Natalie Calderon: It’s generally okay to nap with your hearing aids on for a short time, especially if you think you might forget to put them back on afterward.

If you choose to nap with them, try to rest on your back or make sure your ears are comfortable – this helps avoid pressure and keeps your device safe.

Just be mindful of any movement that could cause discomfort to your ears or damage to the device.

Natalie Calderon: At night, hearing aids should be turned off and stored safely. If your devices use disposable batteries, remove the batteries and store them separately. Wipe your hearing aids with a dry cloth and place them in an airtight container with a drying capsule to help draw out moisture.

Natalie Calderon: Most hearing aids aren’t designed to be worn overnight, but there are a few exceptions. With surgically implanted devices, such as bone-anchored hearing aids, the internal components remain in place, while the external processor is removed at night, similar to traditional hearing aids. There are also extended-wear hearing aids that sit deep in the ear canal and can be worn continuously, including during sleep and showering.

Natalie Calderon: Ideally, hearing aids should be worn during all waking hours. Research suggests wearing them for at least eight hours¹ a day helps to keep the brain’s hearing centers active.

If you are new to hearing aids, begin with a few hours a day and gradually increase your wearing time as you feel comfortable. Focus on wearing them during important moments whether at work, school, or spending time with family and friends.