Taking My Ears Out During Childhood Sleepovers

My Story: At a very young age, I depended on my parents a lot. They would wake me up in the morning, because I could not hear an alarm clock. They would make sure my hearing aids were set far enough back on the nightstand, so they were not knocked off the table during the night. They would also check my hearing aids to see if they needed new batteries or ear wax filters. But, most of all, they made sure to gently wake me up in the mornings or during a nap so that I would not be startled by someone being in my bedroom. I was very lucky to have such loving and hands-on parents!
 
When the age came for sleepovers, I never wanted to go and I was always the girl who was left out. My parents consistently encouraged me to try sleeping over at a close friend’s house and when got the courage, I finally decided to step out of my comfort zone. In preparation for a sleepover, you naturally pack a sleeping bag, extra clothes, maybe some games, and you are all set. Well, this wasn’t the case for me. I would have to remember to bring extra hearing aid batteries, extra ear wax filters, a case to put my hearing aids in while I was sleeping, and a small bag for all of these items. You can see exactly what I continue to use in the photo above, as I am still using them as an adult! Having a hearing aid case that closed shut was so helpful because I knew I couldn’t lose them. I would also place that closed case inside a small bag that zipped for extra security. This gave me comfort knowing that my hearing aids were safe from being knocked over, potential dogs or cats roaming around, and simply something larger for me to recognize or remember to bring home with me. Before a sleepover, my parents would always speak to the parent or guardian at the house I was sleeping at to inform them of my hearing loss. The adults would make sure I was placing my hearing aids on high ground (if I was in a sleeping bag on the floor), and that the other girls sleeping over were aware in case someone tried to talk to me after we’ve all gone to bed. I used to joke and tell others, “Okay, I am going to bed and taking my ears out… do you have anything else to say to me?” Yes, this was funny, but also completely honest in making sure that other people knew I would no longer hear them once I removed my hearing aids. While this all seems like a lot, it truly isn’t. To be completely honest, it was stressful having to figure these things out without my parents right next to me. Through the stress, I matured quickly and grew up a bit faster than other kids. After a few times, I quickly formed a routine and became a pro at sleepovers! These little extra steps essentially prepared me for living away at college and on my own.
 
Here’s a Little Help: If you have a child who wants to sleep over at a friend’s house but is nervous, remember to encourage them and remind them that they are just like everyone else- but with a few extra steps. I would recommend purchasing a small hearing aid case if you don’t have one already. I wear Phonak hearing aids and you can find what I use by clicking here. Your audiologist can help you with this as well. Once you have a hearing aid specific case, I would look for a small zipped bag that is just big enough for only the case to help keep the hearing aids secured. I also keep my extra hearing aid batteries and ear wax filters in this zippered bag. This might be strange, but I use a very old Vera Bradley pencil pouch and it’s the perfect size (and fashionable too)! Click here for the exact one I use! It helped me, maybe it will help you!