How to Look After Your Hearing Aids in Preparation for Christmas

I wrote this blogpost because, this morning, my right hearing aid started bleeping at me. A quick trip to Google, search the symptoms (I was concerned it might need a service) but it transpired that all it needed was a cleaning of the microphones. 

However, this led me to think about all our readers who have hearing aids and what we will need to do to ensure our hearing aids don't let us down over Christmas or the New Year.

The run-up to Christmas is a joyful, bustling time filled with music, conversation, family gatherings, carol services and festive nights out. If you use hearing aids, the last thing you need is for them to fail just when the festive season reaches its peak. A little preparation now can help you enjoy every conversation, every carol and every Christmas film without interruption.

Here’s how to keep your hearing aids in excellent working order as we head towards the busiest social season of the year.

Keep on Top of Cleaning

Winter weather, central heating, scarves and hats can all trap moisture and dust around your hearing aids. A quick daily clean can make all the difference.

Wipe the casing with a soft, dry cloth.

Use a small cleaning brush to remove wax from the microphone ports and receivers.

Check your domes or moulds for blockages.

Never use water, alcohol wipes or household cleaners, as these can damage components.

A weekly deeper clean, following your manufacturer’s guidance, helps reduce the risk of Christmas-morning surprises.

Check Your Batteries or Charging Case

Few things are more frustrating than a silent hearing aid during a party. Make sure you’re fully stocked ahead of time.

For traditional batteries:

Buy an extra pack now, before the seasonal rush. Or if you have an NHS hearing aid, order your batteries from your NHS audiologist or Doctor's surgery, well before Christmas.

Store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat sources.

For rechargeable aids:

Check your charging case is working properly.

Give the case a thorough wipe to remove any dust from the charging contacts.

Bring your charger if you’re staying with friends or family over the holidays.

Protect Against Moisture

Cold-to-warm temperature changes (walking in from frosty air into a heated living room) can cause condensation, which affects performance.

Consider using a hearing aid dehumidifier or drying pot overnight.

If you’re caught in rain or sleet, dry the exterior with a soft cloth as soon as you get indoors.

Avoid wearing them while using hairspray or scented products, do these before putting your aids in.

Check for Fit and Comfort

Scarves, hats, woolly jumpers and giant Christmas jumpers can all tug at behind-the-ear devices.

Make sure your tubing isn’t cracked or stiff.

Ensure domes or moulds still fit snugly and comfortably.

If you’ve noticed any whistling, feedback or changes to fit, now’s the perfect time to book a quick check with your audiologist before Christmas.

Update Any Bluetooth or App Settings

With so many festive events on the horizon, you might want to tweak your sound settings.

Update your hearing aid’s smartphone app if applicable.

Check connection settings for watching Christmas films on TV or tablets.

Save custom programmes for noisy environments such as pubs, parties or Christmas markets.

A few minutes of prep can help you glide through the season with minimal fiddling.

Prepare a Travel Kit

If you’re visiting family or going away for Christmas, pack a small kit so you’re never caught out.

Include:

Spare batteries or the charging cable

Cleaning brush and wipes

Drying pot or dehumidifier tub (travel-sized ones exist)

Spare domes or wax guards

Pop it all in a small pouch inside your overnight bag and you’re sorted.

Book a Pre-Christmas Check-Up (If Needed)

If you’ve noticed reduced clarity, muffled sound, crackling or poor battery performance, it may be worth booking a quick maintenance appointment. Audiology departments and hearing aid providers often get busy in December, so earlier is better.

Enjoy a Clear, Confident Christmas

Well-maintained hearing aids ensure you don’t miss a single festive moment, whether that's the punchline of a cracker joke, the children singing at the school nativity, or a toast around the dinner table.

A little care now means a smoother, more enjoyable Christmas season where you can focus on what matters: connection, conversation and celebration.

Give the Gift of Improved Hearing This Christmas

Christmas is all about togetherness, bustling family gatherings, lively parties, favourite films on telly, and chatting with loved ones you may not see often. 

It’s also, quite surprisingly, one of the key times of year when people realise they may be struggling with their hearing.

If you’ve ever found yourself nudging the TV volume higher than everyone else prefers, or if a festive party leaves you smiling and nodding through conversations you can’t quite catch, you’re certainly not alone. 

Many people first notice hearing changes during the louder, busier days of December. And at family gatherings, having to ask people to repeat themselves can feel frustrating or even a little embarrassing.

This Christmas, why not consider giving someone, or yourself, a gift that genuinely improves quality of life: hearing support.

Why Christmas Makes Hearing Difficulties More Noticeable

1. The telly test

Christmas films, the King’s Speech, and a marathon of festive specials often highlight changes in hearing. If you need the volume far louder than everyone else, it’s worth checking whether it’s more than just preference.

2. Seasonal socialising

Parties, dinners, and pub meet-ups come with background music, clinking glasses, and overlapping conversations. If deciphering speech becomes hard work, that’s a sign worth paying attention to.

3. Family gatherings

Large dining tables, excited children, and multiple conversations at once can strain hearing. Asking people to repeat themselves can feel awkward, but it’s a very common experience for those with early hearing loss.

The Practical, Life-Changing Gift: Hearing Support Vouchers

Instead of guessing at presents or buying yet another novelty jumper, you can give someone something that truly matters: the opportunity to improve their hearing.

Many audiology clinics and hearing centres offer hearing aid vouchers, which can be used towards:

A professional hearing test

Hearing aids tailored to the individual

Assistive listening devices

Follow-up checks or adjustments

Accessories such as rechargeable batteries or cleaning tools

This type of gift can be a gentle, supportive way to help someone take the first step. It’s not intrusive or patronising – it simply gives them the means to explore better hearing when they’re ready.

Why This Makes a Brilliant Christmas Gift

It’s thoughtful

You’re giving someone the chance to enjoy clearer conversations, more relaxed social events, and everyday confidence.

It’s long-lasting

Many gifts get forgotten by New Year. Improved hearing transforms daily life for years to come.

It helps keep people connected

Hearing changes can feel isolating. This gift offers connection, clarity, and comfort.

It can be life-enhancing

Better hearing supports mental wellbeing, reduces strain on relationships, and helps people stay active and engaged.

How to Give Hearing Aid Vouchers

Contact local independent audiologists or major high-street service providers

Ask whether they offer gift vouchers for hearing tests or hearing aids

Present the voucher in a festive card explaining that you want them to enjoy every conversation without strain

Reassure them it’s entirely up to them when and how they use it

A Christmas Filled with Clearer Conversations

Whether it’s for a parent who turns the telly up too high, a partner who struggles in noisy restaurants, or even a gift to yourself, hearing support is a thoughtful and genuinely helpful present.

Christmas is about connecting with the people we love. Giving the gift of improved hearing helps make every laugh, every joke, and every shared story a little clearer – not just on Christmas Day, but all year long.

In closing, let me point out that getting a hearing aid was probably one of the best decisions that I have made in recent years. 

Giving the Gift of Hearing: Helping a Loved One Overcome Hearing Difficulties This Christmas

Hearing loss is often a subtle but significant barrier to full enjoyment of daily life, affecting everything from conversations to shared experiences like music and holiday gatherings. 

If you have a loved one who seems to be struggling with hearing but may be too shy or self-conscious to address it, Christmas offers a thoughtful opportunity to give them the gift of hearing. Here’s how you can make this heartfelt gesture with care, compassion, and respect.

1. Start with Subtle, Observant Empathy

When a person is experiencing hearing difficulties, they may not even realise how much it’s affecting them or feel too embarrassed to admit it. Rather than pointing out their struggles, begin by observing with empathy and understanding. Look for these subtle signs:

Difficulty following conversations, especially in group settings or noisy environments.

Frequent requests for repetition or saying, “What?” often.

Turning up the TV volume higher than usual.

Withdrawal from social activities due to frustration or exhaustion from trying to keep up.

These indicators are your cue to approach the topic thoughtfully, showing that your concern comes from a place of care and understanding, not judgement.

2. Make It About Improving Quality of Life

Hearing difficulties can erode one’s quality of life by reducing their engagement with the world around them. Framing the conversation around this can make your loved one feel less self-conscious. For instance, instead of suggesting they “need” hearing support, gently suggest that they “deserve” the gift of clearer sound, so they can enjoy life’s little pleasures more fully.

Share examples of things they might miss out on: laughter around the dinner table, their favourite songs, or engaging in lively conversations with ease.

Emphasise that improving hearing doesn’t just mean hearing better—it’s about enhancing their connection to the world and to the people they love.

3. Choose a Discreet and Thoughtful Gift

Once they feel supported in the idea of addressing their hearing needs, consider a discreet and practical gift that gently introduces the benefits of improved hearing. Here are a few options that could make a difference:

High-quality wireless earbuds: Some wireless earbuds come with amplification features that can help with mild hearing loss while allowing them to listen to music and podcasts at a personalised volume.

TV listening systems: Many devices allow users to connect headphones directly to the TV, ensuring they can watch their favourite programmes at the perfect volume without affecting others.

Assisted listening devices (ALDs): ALDs can be a gentle first step before moving on to hearing aids, amplifying sound in specific settings, such as watching TV or attending a lecture.

These gifts are thoughtful yet unintrusive, offering a gentle introduction to the benefits of hearing assistance.

4. Arrange a Hearing Test as Part of Their Gift

If they’re open to it, a hearing test can be a valuable part of your gift. Many hearing tests are free, but you could also consider gifting them a more comprehensive evaluation through a local audiologist. Pair this with a gentle explanation, like:

"I want you to have the best chance to enjoy everything you love—whether it’s music, conversations, or simply relaxing with a good show. This is just a way to check if there’s anything that might help make that experience even better."

To make it more festive, include a lovely card with a note describing the test as a special step toward new experiences and enhanced quality of life. Assure them there’s no commitment involved—just an opportunity to explore options that could improve their everyday experiences.

5. Consider Modern, Stylish Hearing Aids

Today’s hearing aids have evolved from bulky, obvious devices to sleek, virtually invisible options. Some brands offer hearing aids that look like stylish earbuds, which can appeal to those who may feel self-conscious about wearing traditional hearing aids.

If your loved one seems open to the idea of hearing support, you could even research the latest models with them, showing the various styles, colours, and discreet designs available today. This can help them feel more comfortable with the idea and may even make them excited to try a device.

6. Normalise the Use of Hearing Aids

Just as glasses are common and widely accepted, hearing aids are becoming more and more common. Help your loved one see that there’s no stigma in wearing hearing aids by sharing stories about others who benefit from them.

Point out how many public figures and celebrities use hearing aids and how they speak openly about the positive impact on their lives.

Highlight that wearing a hearing aid isn’t about age; it’s about quality of life and choosing to fully engage in the moments that matter.

7. Give a Gift Card to an Audiology Service

If you’d rather not take a direct approach, a gift card to a local audiology service can be a more subtle option. This allows your loved one to explore options at their own pace and on their own terms.

To make the gesture more festive, you could tuck the gift card inside a holiday card with a warm message that invites them to experience the “gift of clearer sound.” Let them know that this is an opportunity they can use whenever they feel ready, and there’s no rush.

8. Encourage Open Conversations About Hearing Health

The best gifts come with encouragement and support. Be there to listen if your loved one wants to share their experiences or concerns about hearing loss. Let them know you’re there for them, whether they’re ready to try hearing support now or down the road.

If they open up about their concerns, vlidate their feelings and offer reassurance. The goal is to make them feel empowered, not embarrassed, about taking steps toward better hearing.

9. Plan a Quiet, Relaxed Celebration

Finally, consider making the Christmas celebration itself a hearing-friendly experience. Avoid loud background music, keep conversations gentle, and be mindful of their comfort level in noisy settings. This can make the festivities less overwhelming, helping them realise the difference hearing support could make.

A Thoughtful Gesture for Lasting Connection

Giving the gift of hearing is a beautiful way to show that you care deeply about your loved one’s experience and happiness. By approaching the topic thoughtfully, you can help them take that first step towards improved hearing with confidence and dignity. This Christmas, help them see that there’s no shame in seeking support, and remind them that the best gift of all is the chance to fully connect with the world around them.