Hearing aids are sophisticated devices designed to restore access to sound by amplifying and processing auditory input for individuals with hearing loss. For most users, the professional recommendation is to wear them for nearly all waking hours, though this advice comes with a few practical exceptions. The decision regarding how often to wear them is ultimately guided by the degree of hearing loss and the specific guidance provided by a hearing healthcare specialist.
Why Consistent Use Retrains the Brain
The primary reason for continuous hearing aid use lies in the brain’s ability to adapt, a process known as neuroplasticity. When hearing loss occurs, the brain begins to receive incomplete sound information, which causes the auditory pathways to weaken over time. Consistent sound input from hearing aids reactivates and strengthens these neural connections, effectively retraining the brain to process the full spectrum of sounds it was missing.
This continuous stimulation helps the brain relearn how to differentiate between important sounds, like speech, and background noise. Acclimatization can take several weeks to many months to fully realize the benefits. Wearing the devices consistently during this time is what drives the necessary neurological changes for long-term success.
Consistent amplification significantly reduces the cognitive load experienced by the user. Untreated hearing loss forces the brain to constantly strain to fill in missing words or sounds. By providing clear, amplified sound, hearing aids free up cognitive resources, leading to reduced mental fatigue and improved functions such as working memory and attention.
The Negative Effects of Intermittent Wear
Choosing to wear hearing aids only for specific, perceived “important” situations, such as conversations or events, can severely limit their effectiveness. This inconsistent use prevents the brain from achieving the stable, continuous auditory input it requires to adapt fully. The result is a much slower and often more frustrating acclimatization period for the user.
One significant consequence of intermittent use is auditory deprivation, where the brain actively “forgets” how to process sound signals it is not receiving regularly. If the auditory nerve remains unstimulated, it can weaken, reducing the ability to understand speech even when the hearing aids are worn. Sporadic use forces the brain to constantly switch between two listening states—the impaired state and the amplified state—which is mentally taxing.
This constant shift also often leads to the common complaint that hearing aids sound “too loud” or “overwhelming” when they are put on. The brain has not been given enough time to adjust, making the sudden introduction of amplification sound harsh and unnatural. Over time, the brain may even begin to reassign auditory processing areas to other functions, making it even harder to gain benefits from future consistent use.
When and Why You Should Take Them Out
While continuous use is encouraged for maximum benefit, there are specific times when removing hearing aids is necessary for maintenance, safety, or comfort. Activities involving significant moisture require immediate removal since water and steam can damage the delicate internal electronic components. Even water-resistant models can be compromised by excessive moisture exposure.
It is also generally recommended to remove hearing aids before going to sleep. This allows the ear canal to air out and prevents the risk of damage to the devices if they are accidentally rolled on or fall out during the night. This time also offers an opportunity to clean the devices and perform routine maintenance.
In situations involving high-impact noise, such as using power tools or attending a loud concert, hearing aids should be removed and replaced with appropriate hearing protection. The devices are not designed to function as protective earplugs, and exposure to extreme volumes could cause further damage to residual hearing. Additionally, certain high-powered medical procedures, like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), necessitate removal due to the strong magnetic fields that could damage the electronics.