Julie Raney is a certified and licensed audiologist. She has a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Master’s Degree in Audiology from Idaho State University. She has worked as a clinical audiologist in Colorado since 2005. She specializes in hearing amplification for adults and delivers her services in both English and Sign Language.

Fireplace Safety and Hearing Protection

For those who wear hearing aids, the ambient noise of crackling wood and the heat produced by a fireplace can present unique challenges. It’s important to think about fire safety to prevent accidents but also to understand how to protect your hearing aids during fireplace use.

Basic Fireplace Safety

Here are a few fundamental safety tips to help prevent any fire-related mishaps:

Regular Maintenance: Make sure your fireplace and chimney are cleaned and inspected by a professional annually to remove soot and debris, which can be fire hazards.
Proper Ventilation: Always open the damper before lighting a fire to allow smoke to escape and provide good ventilation in the room.
Sensible Use of Materials: Use only seasoned hardwood and avoid softwoods that create more creosote buildup. Never burn paper or trash, as they can easily catch wind and spread embers.
Fireplace Screens and Doors: Use screens and glass doors to protect against sparks and rolling logs.
Safe Distance: Keep furniture, décor, and potentially flammable items at least three feet away from the fireplace.

Hearing Aid Care Near the Fireplace

Now, let’s focus on hearing aids and how to protect them around a fireplace:

Heat and Moisture Considerations: Hearing aids are delicate electronic devices sensitive to extreme temperatures and moisture. You’d keep your phone away from direct heat, and you can do the same for your hearing aids. Avoid exposing your hearing aids to the high heat of the fire, as it can damage the components and reduce their functionality.
Limit any exposure to smoke: Smoke can contain fine particles that can potentially damage your hearing aids or cause blockages.
Cleaning After Exposure: If your hearing aids do come in contact with smoke or you’ve been near an open fire, clean them right to remove any particles that may clog the microphones or receivers.
Storage: Never leave your hearing aids on a mantle or close to the fire where the heat can build up. Instead, store them in a cool, dry place when not in use.

Listening to the Fireplace with Hearing Aids

The use of hearing aids near a fireplace can enhance the experience for those with hearing loss by amplifying the ambient sounds of the fire. However, it is important to adjust the settings to a comfortable listening level and to avoid potential damage from sudden loud pops or cracks.

While enjoying the comforting ambiance of a crackling fire, be mindful of the overall health of your ears. Prolonged noise exposure—even at moderate levels—can cause stress to your auditory system. We recommend balancing time spent near the fireplace with quieter activities to give your ears a rest.

Staying Alert and Safe

A fireplace can mask important auditory cues with its constant background noise. When you have the fire going, stay alert and make sure you can still hear smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and other vital safety signals. Regularly check your detectors to confirm they’re in working order and consider devices that offer visual alerts as an additional warning.

Educating Children and Guests

Education is key to preventing accidents. Teach children and inform guests about both fireplace and hearing aid safety. For example, someone may not realize that taking out their hearing aids and placing them too close to the fire can lead to accidental damage.

Emergency Preparedness

Create and practice an escape plan in case of a fire emergency. Make sure that everyone in the household is aware of this plan, especially those with hearing loss, to maintain safety and prompt action when most needed.

The Importance of Regular Hearing Assessments

Regular hearing evaluations are important, especially if you frequently expose your ears to a range of noise levels. As you cozy up next to the fireplace this season, take a moment to consider the last time you had your hearing checked.

Enjoy your fireplace safely this season. Visit your hearing health professional for a comprehensive hearing test, and hearing aid maintenance. Schedule your check-up today and start the season with better hearing.