While Ear Gear is an essential hearing device accessory for people of any age, for our elderly population—especially those navigating unique challenges in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities—it can be particularly crucial.

Hearing devices are not just functional pieces of technology, they are also a lifeline—keeping our elderly loved ones and community members connected to the world around them. This is exactly why protecting these devices is not just about maintenance; it’s about ensuring quality of life.

Why are Hearing Devices so Important?

In long-term care facilities, access to and use of hearing devices ensure that a resident can effectively communicate their needs to staff, as well as build social connections with other residents. This ability to interact with others, to listen to music, and to engage in conversation has been shown to reduce the rate of progression of cognitive decline. When hearing loss goes undetected or unaddressed, it can exacerbate other symptoms of age-related conditions, including the confusion and agitation often associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

We want to ensure that our elderly friends and family members are well cared for, but more than that, we want to know that they are living life to the fullest for as long as possible, and one of the first steps toward that is ensuring access to the appropriate hearing devices for their needs

Hearing Device Challenges in Long-Term Care Facilities

Care facility residents with hearing devices face various unique challenges. In a report by "Healthy Hearing", "hearing care can often be overlooked by nursing homes".

Here are some important considerations when arranging the care of a loved one:

• Ensure that staff are aware the resident requires a hearing device

• Consider that wearing a hearing device all day may lead to irritation and discomfort

• Understand that hearing devices may not function adequately when exposed to sweat, body oils, or hair products.

• Take steps to protect against loss or damage of hearing devices.

How can Ear Gear Help?

Ear Gear is a fabric sleeve that slides over the hearing device to protect it from sweat, dirt, moisture, chafing, wind noise, and loss. There are a variety of sizes and models to suit the needs of different hearing devices and different hearing device wearers.

Ear Gear Cordless - The soft fabric sleeves add comfort when wearing a hearing device. The double layers of fabric protect the device by wicking away moisture. Ear Gear Cordless helps to increase the comfort of the wearer, minimizing irritation and discomfort. It also helps to preserve functionality that may otherwise be compromised by sweat, body oils, and hair products

Ear Gear Corded - This option has the same benefits as Ear Gear Cordless, but it has an elastic cord sewn into the sleeve. The cord is one continuous length from sleeve to sleeve, with a clip attached. This clip can be secured to clothing to protect against loss. The tiny rubber O-ring slides on the cords and assists in keeping the hearing devices closer to the head and streamlining the cords.

Ear Gear’s Cordless and Corded models are available as pairs when wearing two hearing devices, and

Ear Gear Mono is a single-corded model when wearing one hearing device.

Also available is a model for eyeglass wearers. With additional rubber O-ring(s) to secure the Ear Gear sleeves containing the hearing device to the arm of the eyeglasses, Ear Gear Eyeglasses keep the hearing aid and glasses attached together at all times.

Maintaining Ear Gear

Ear Gear products are both hand and machine washable, though we suggest avoiding the dryer! Our Washing Pouch is the best option so that the Ear Gear sleeves don’t get lost in the washing machine. If staff at your loved one’s care facility will be doing the laundry, ensure they are aware of the care instructions so that our products can keep serving your loved ones and their hearing devices effectively.

Ear Gear Makes a Perfect Gift

With the holiday season fast approaching, Ear Gear makes a wonderful gift. Sometimes it can be challenging to find the right gift for elderly friends and family members. Not only is Ear Gear a convenient way to keep valuable hearing devices protected, it also comes in a variety of colours and styles to suit any needs or personal style. Whether your loved one prefers a low-profile beige or something a little more colourful, we have an option just for them. With our convenient Sizing Guide and our customer service team ready to answer any questions, the perfect gift is just a few clicks away.

Celebrate every day, living life to the fullest with Ear Gear. Visit us www.gearforears.com