Safety with hearing aids and implants

Hearing devices have small parts and batteries that could be dangerous if swallowed or put in the ear or nose. Never leave babies or young children alone with their hearing aids or sound processors. This includes not only the child wearing the device, but also siblings, playmates or children in childcare settings. 

Battery safety

All young children should have childproof battery locks (also called tamper-proof battery doors) on their hearing devices. Battery locks should also be used if there’s a risk your child could swallow a battery, no matter their age, or if they have a younger sibling. Ask your audiologist or implant team to confirm your child’s device has these locks if you’re unsure.

Avoid letting young children see batteries being changed. Even with a childproof battery lock, it’s safer if children don’t know the battery compartment can open. 

Storing batteries

Batteries need to be stored properly so they don’t touch each other. If they still have power, they can get hot if their terminals touch.

Never leave batteries in hearing devices when storing them for a long time. If your child has a spare hearing aid or sound processor, remove the battery when it’s not in use. Batteries can leak and damage the device.

Disposing of batteries

Keep used batteries in their original packaging to keep them safe and make sure none are missing.

Some audiology services ask you to return old batteries for recycling. If not, you can safely dispose of them in your household rubbish. Many local councils have battery recycling schemes, and some large stores offer boxes to keep old batteries in as well as recycling schemes.

Safety with other devices

Hearing devices can rarely cause issues with other health devices, such as pacemakers or programmable shunts. If you're thinking about getting a hearing device and are concerned, check with your audiologist or healthcare provider for guidance.