One look inside any supermarket or store makes it clear that Halloween is right around the corner. If you have kids or grandkids, you’re probably planning to take them trick-or-treating around the neighborhood or at Topeka Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo.
Whether you or your child has hearing loss and uses hearing aids, it’s a good idea to follow the tips below for a more safe and more enjoyable experience.
Check Your Hearing Aid Batteries
The last thing you need when out trick-or-treating is for your hearing aids to lose power. Check your batteries before leaving for the night to see if you have enough power. If you know that they might be low, change them before heading out, or consider bringing a few extra with you in case. If you use rechargeable hearing aids, make sure they are fully charged before leaving the house.
Prepare for Rainy or Cold Weather
If the weather forecast shows a rainy or cold Halloween, you may need to take additional steps to protect your hearing aids. Consider using a hearing aid sleeve and/or bringing an umbrella if it is going to rain to keep your device safe from potentially damaging moisture.
If it’s cold out and you or your child need to bundle up with a hat or earmuffs, just make sure they aren’t so tight that they put pressure on the hearing aids.
Consider the Costumes
Halloween is as much about the costume as the candy when you’re a kid (well, almost as much.) If your child wears hearing aids, it’s good to plan ahead and consider how to make a mask or face paint work in a way that won’t interfere with your hearing aids.
Use a Hearing Aid Clip or Cord
Hearing aid clips and cords can attach hearing aids to your clothing to ensure you don’t lose them if they fall out. Trick-or-treating and other Halloween-themed events can be quite chaotic at times. These accessories can help make sure you don’t drop or damage your device.
Use Hearing Protection for Loud Events
If you are going somewhere with loud music, fireworks or other loud noises, consider hearing protection for you and any children you take with you. Noise exposure is one of the leading causes of hearing loss in people of all ages, and research shows us that nearly 15% of children between the ages of 6-19 have some degree of hearing loss.
Hearing protection like earplugs or earmuffs can help ensure everyone’s ears stay safe while out having fun.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Topeka Ear Nose & Throat today.