How do I stop my RIC hearing aids from falling off when I remove my face mask. I am afraid I may lose them.

Here is a blog that I wrote last month. There are photos as well.  Hope this helps!

Hi! 

Great question - I would refer to the answer from Sheri. She did a great blog post on this. 

Agree with Christine. 

Couple additional thoughts:

*I have recommended masks that use very thin elastic for looping around ears.  Similar to glasses, when masks have thicker looping, it creates more interaction with over the ear hearing aids.  Thinner is better, to the point that it remains comfortable.

*Remove one ear loop at a time from the ear with one hand while using a your second hand to hold the hearing aid in place.  

Best of luck!

Hi there!  This is a great question.  If your mask uses elastic around your ears, make sure to pull back and then up on the elastic and then gently and slowly remove.  We posted a video demonstrating the technique. 

We have seen as long as the mask is not too tight pull down on your ears then the hearing aid will not fall off with normal use. The only issues that we have had is patients talking the mask off and forgetting that they have their hearing aids on. I have instructed them to be more careful taking them off and also don't get rushed out in public removing the mask. Take the mask off in car or at home where you are able to take the extra time. 

Westone has otoleashes, and you can clip your aids to your clothes, you can also purchase a face shield instead of wearing a mask.   

You can also look up facemask with shoestrings, and if you know someone who sews they can easily make it for you.

It might be wise to use a face mask that fastens behind your head instead of one that wraps around your ears.  Or this is not what you have, buttons can be sewn to a headband and the elastic loops on the mask can be looped around those buttons.  Online there are people selling plastic fasteners (some created by 3D printers).  Some creative person also took a plastic monkey piece from the Barrel of Monkeys toy to use as a behind the head fastener.  It works because it is flat and the arms and tail are curved.