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Can You Wear Earmuffs with Hearing Aids? Essential Tips & Best Practices
Imagine you’re working in a noisy environment wearing hearing aids to stay connected to calls or ambient sounds. You decide to don earmuffs for added hearing protection—but can both devices work together? In this comprehensive guide, we will explain the key considerations, best practices, and expert tips for wearing earmuffs with hearing aids.
Understanding the Challenge
Earmuffs reduce sound while hearing aids amplify it—so logically, you generally should remove your hearing aids when using earmuffs. However, many patients still opt to wear both simultaneously, especially in situations where communication is necessary—or when wearing earmuffs for protection while streaming audio through hearing aids. In such cases, consult your audiologist for guidance tailored to your hearing loss, hearing aid model, and listening goals.
Wearing both devices can cause unintended pressure on hearing aids, awkward button presses, soreness behind the ear, or even generate feedback/whistling. Learn more about how to prevent hearing aid feedback.
Finding Compatible Earmuffs
Choose earmuffs with wide or adjustable earcups that can comfortably accommodate hearing aids without pressing on them. Low-profile or recessed-cup designs are ideal. Some people prefer earmuffs designed specifically for use with behind-the-ear (BTE) devices.
Proper Placement Tips
When putting on earmuffs:
- Ensure the cushions seal around—not over—your hearing aids without pressing buttons or volume controls.
- If you wear BTE hearing aids, position the earmuffs slightly higher to avoid direct pressure.
- For in-the-ear (ITE) or receiver-in-canal (RIC) models, make sure the earmuffs don’t dislodge the aids or shift their placement.
Adjusting Your Hearing Aid Settings
Earmuffs reduce sound levels significantly, which can interfere with hearing aid directional microphones and noise-reduction programs. Since these features often rely on open-ear microphones, they may not function as intended when enclosed within earmuffs.
Consult your audiologist regarding: – temporary program changes, – volume adjustments, – disabling feedback suppression if needed, or – creating a “muffled environment” preset for use while wearing earmuffs.
Communication Strategies
Communication and situational awareness can be more difficult when using both hearing aids and earmuffs. To help, consider these tips:
- Face the speaker to maximize visual cues and lip-reading.
- Use gestures or visual prompts to reinforce spoken words.
- Ask for repetition or clarification when needed.
- Use assistive‑listening tools like FM systems, directional microphones, or Bluetooth streaming inside your earmuffs.
Maintenance & Care Recommendations
Proper care for both devices ensures longevity and comfort:
- Clean your hearing aids daily—remove earwax, moisture, and debris. Replace wax guards monthly.
- Wipe earmuffs after use with a damp cloth; avoid harsh chemicals.
- Store both devices properly: Hearing aids in a drying/storage case; earmuffs in a dry, cool area out of direct sunlight.
- Inspect for wear or damage regularly and replace worn cushions or accessories.
When It’s Safe to Wear Both Together
In select situations—like light work environments, quiet office noise, or when using hearing aids to stream media—wearing both may be feasible. Make sure your hearing aids are functioning properly, don’t cause auditory distortion, and aren’t overly suppressed by the earmuffs. Always consult your audiologist to test comfort and balance in a safe setting.
Conclusion
Balancing hearing protection with amplification is challenging but doable. By choosing the right earmuffs, positioning devices carefully, adjusting hearing aid settings, and following best practices for care and communication, you can achieve both safety and connectivity.
Always consult with a hearing healthcare professional—especially if you rely on hearing aids daily or operate in noise-exposed environments. With the proper guidance, you can protect your hearing without sacrificing sound quality or communication.
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