Ear Gear FAQ's
What is Ear Gear and what materials are used?
Ear Gear is a nylon-spandex sleeve that slides onto your hearing instrument to protect it from moisture, dirt, sweat, and wind noise. And yes, Ear Gear Corded also protects your hearing instrument from loss. The cord is made of rubber with polyester cover. The O ring is made of rubber, and the clip is made from plastic.
How does Ear Gear protect hearing instruments from sweat, dirt, moisture, loss and wind noise?
Ear Gear has a unique double wall of spandex that provides protection against sweat, rain, humidity, dirt, dust, sand, wind noise, the sound of hair rustling, loss and even prevents chafing behind the ear where the hearing instrument sits. The material of the sleeve that covers the hearing aid actually absorbs moisture, preventing it from reaching the microphone port, battery door, and sensitive interior circuitry. Always remove your hearing instrument from Ear Gear after each use to allow it to dry for the next use. The sleeve also acts as barrier to prevent dirt of any kind from entering the hearing instrument.
Wind noise is dramatically cut down due to the double-walled barrier yet all surrounding sounds enter unobstructed so you can hear clearly on a windy day. Available in corded models, Ear Gear can be attached to clothing to prevent hearing aid loss.
Is Ear Gear available in different models and sizes? How do I choose which Ear Gear model fits my hearing aid?
Yes, Ear Gear is available in a variety of models and sizes. Except ITE, each model comes in Corded (a pair of sleeves each with an elastic cord that attaches it to the one clip), Cordless (always comes in pairs) and Mono (a single sleeve with a cord and clip).
How do I decide whether to order a Corded or Cordless model of Ear Gear?
In the case of infants, small children or seniors, the Corded model is always recommended as protection against loss. For older children, teens, and adults many times the Cordless model is recommended as the main concern is sweat, moisture, and wind noise protection. However, if the teen or adult is involved in a strenuous physical activity where hearing instruments can fall off, a model of Ear Gear with cord and clip would be suggested.
What function does the o-ring on the Corded models perform?
The o-ring on all of Ear Gear’s Corded models are designed to slide up against the head preventing hearing instruments with Ear Gear from ‘flopping’ off the wearer's ears. The O-ring also streamlines the cords.
Ear Gear Eyeglasses is a spandex sleeve with 1 or 2 "O-rings" sewn on the sleeve (it depends on the size of the Ear Gear sleeve whether there are 1 or 2 O-rings attached). To install Ear Gear Eyeglasses, simply slide the arm of your glasses through the O-ring(s). Ear Gear attaches to your eyeglasses and provide security for your hearing instrument. It is a personal preference whether to use one or both O-rings.
What should I do when my Ear Gear sleeve becomes saturated with moisture or dirty?
Ear Gear continues to retain moisture until the sleeve becomes saturated. Once saturated, we recommend you change the sleeve similarly to how you would change your clothing. This ensures your hearing instruments are completely protected.
Ear Gear’s function is to trap sweat and dirt which requires regular washing of the product. As Ear Gear is made of spandex, it can be washed many times and still maintains its elasticity. We recommend hand washing Ear Gear in warm water and a mild detergent (no bleach). A drop of dish soap or a small amount zero or Woolite all work equally well. Then rinse your Ear Gear under cold running water and allow it to drip dry. Ear Gear should not be put in the washing machine or dryer but can be put into a Dry & Store. If using a Dry & Store, remove Ear Gear from the hearing instrument.
