Hearing aids you can sleep in are known as extended-wear hearing aids. Unlike traditional models that require daily insertion and removal, these devices are designed to be worn continuously for weeks or months. They eliminate the need for routine battery changes or daily cleaning by the user. A trained professional places them deep within the ear canal, where they remain 24 hours a day. This approach provides constant sound amplification and is completely invisible to others, even during sleep and water activities.
Defining Extended-Wear Hearing Aids
Extended-wear devices are engineered for continuous, long-term placement using specialized design and material technology. They are placed deep into the ear canal, often near the eardrum, making them invisible-in-the-canal (IIC). This deep insertion uses a casing of soft, flexible, biocompatible material.
The design includes soft foam seals that conform to the ear canal contours, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit during all activities. This placement near the eardrum offers acoustic advantages, utilizing the outer ear’s natural anatomy to funnel sound. This results in more natural sound quality, improved localization, and minimizes the “occlusion effect,” the sensation of the ear being plugged.
Continuous operation is powered by a specialized, non-rechargeable battery system, often a proprietary zinc-air cell. These batteries, combined with low-power electronics, allow the device to function constantly for one to four months before replacement. The system is protected by a proprietary coating to withstand the moist environment of the ear canal, including exposure to cerumen and debris.
Professional Fitting and Placement
Extended-wear hearing aids require mandatory placement by a trained audiologist or hearing professional; users cannot fit them independently. The fitting process involves a thorough examination and sizing procedure to ensure the ear canal anatomy is suitable for deep insertion. The professional measures the canal and selects the appropriate device size to ensure a proper seal and minimize discomfort in the sensitive bony portion.
The device is inserted deep into the bony part of the ear canal using specialized tools. It is positioned close to the tympanic membrane, or eardrum, without the need for surgery or anesthesia. Secure and accurate placement is paramount because a poor fit can cause irritation or discomfort, which is the primary reason for discontinuation.
These devices are worn continuously until the battery expires or replacement is needed, and they are not intended for routine user removal. Users are provided with a magnetic adjustment tool to control volume, place the device in sleep mode, or safely remove it in an emergency. The professional replaces the device during a scheduled follow-up appointment.
Daily Life and Maintenance Considerations
One of the primary appeals of this technology is the ability to maintain a normal, active lifestyle without interruption from hearing aid management. Because the device is protected by its deep placement and specialized coating, users can safely engage in activities like showering, exercising, and talking on the phone without concern for damage or removal. This freedom from daily handling is a major advantage for individuals with active routines or those who have difficulty manipulating small objects.
Sleeping with the device is seamless, as the deep placement prevents it from being dislodged or causing discomfort against a pillow. While the device provides amplification 24/7, some users report a quick adjustment period to hearing sounds while sleeping. The device’s position helps maintain the ear’s inherent ability to localize sound.
Daily user maintenance is virtually eliminated because the device is disposable and replaced by the professional. The deep positioning in the bony canal minimizes contact with the cerumen glands, which are primarily located in the outer, cartilaginous part of the ear canal. Any earwax or debris that does accumulate is managed and cleaned by the professional during the scheduled replacement visits. These replacement appointments typically occur every one to four months.
Suitability and Financial Investment
Extended-wear technology is best suited for individuals with mild to moderately severe hearing loss. Candidacy is highly dependent on the physical anatomy of the ear canal, which must be large enough to accommodate the device and allow for professional placement. Individuals with a history of frequent ear infections, excessive cerumen production, or certain medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes may not be suitable candidates.
The financial model for these devices is distinct from traditional hearing aids, which are typically purchased outright. Extended-wear aids are generally sold through an annual subscription service that covers the cost of all devices, necessary replacements, and professional care appointments. This subscription model provides a predictable annual cost, but it represents a high yearly investment, often ranging between $3,000 and $6,000 for a pair.
The subscription covers the cost of a new device each time the battery expires, which is necessary because the device is non-serviceable and non-rechargeable.