Our partners know that Ear Gear is an essential hearing device accessory for people of any age, but 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 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.

Ensuring that your patients in care facilities have access to the appropriate hearing devices for their needs is paramount, but so is ensuring that those hearing devices stay safe and secure. This allows them to experience life to the fullest for as long as possible.

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 considerations for hearing professionals whose patients require hearing devices:

• Ensure family members and 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 optimally when exposed to sweat, body oils, or hair products.

• Encourage patients and their families to 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. The fabric offers additional comfort and cushioning for sensitive hearing devices users, who may feel discomfort from their devices after a full day of wear.

Hearing professionals who work with the elderly both in and out of care facilities and nursing homes have seen the benefits that Ear Gear can provide for not only those who use hearing devices, but also their friends and family. The protection offered by Ear Gear products allows for increased confidence and peace of mind for everyone.

Dr. Lynda Wayne, licensed Doctor of Audiology, has this to say:

"Ear Gear have been very helpful for my patients, particularly in a nursing home. They are easy to place on the devices and they add a sense of security for the patient and family! Thank you!!"

We carry 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 patient's care facility will be doing the laundry, they should be made aware of the care instructions so that our products can keep serving residents 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 a low-profile beige or something a little more colourful, we have the perfect option for everyone. 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