Contact Lenses, Dentures and Hearing Aids on the Day of Surgery

Undergoing surgery can feel overwhelming, but planning ahead for personal items—contact lenses, dentures and hearing aids—helps ensure your safety, comfort and clear communication. Below is a straightforward guide based on credible sources. Always follow the specific instructions from your surgeon or anesthesiologist.

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Why Removing or Managing These Items Matters

• Interference with airway management and monitoring
• Risk of device damage or loss during positioning
• Increased chance of infection around the eyes, mouth or ears
• Communication challenges if hearing aids aren’t available when you wake up

By properly handling these devices, you help the surgical team focus on delivering safe anesthesia and a smooth procedure.

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Contact Lenses

What Could Happen If You Leave Them In

• Drying or corneal abrasions under supplemental oxygen
• Lens displacement if you cough or shift
• Difficulties with mask seal during anesthesia

Pre-Surgery Steps

1. Remove lenses at least 2 hours before arrival, or as directed.
2. Clean and store in a labeled case with fresh solution.
3. Bring glasses and extra lens supplies in a clear bag.

After Surgery

• Wait until you’re fully alert, eyes feel normal and your nurse confirms it’s safe.
• If you have any redness, pain or vision changes, speak to a doctor before reinserting.

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Dentures

Why Dentures Must Come Out

• Risk of aspiration if the denture loosens under sedation
• Damage to dentures from forceful airway manipulations
• Irritation or cuts to gums when tubes are in place

Pre-Surgery Steps

• Remove all removable dentures (full or partial) just before entering the OR.
• Store in a labeled, padded container with a damp cloth or water to prevent warping.
• Bring any adhesive or cleaning supplies you routinely use.

After Surgery

• Only reinsert once you’re fully awake, able to swallow normally and cleared by the care team.
• If soreness or misfit develops, wait to adjust until you’ve healed or consult your dentist.

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Hearing Aids

Balancing Safety and Communication

• Hearing aids improve your ability to understand instructions in the pre- and post-op areas.
• They must be removed before anesthesia induction to avoid damage or loss.

Pre-Surgery Steps

1. Use them right up until you enter the operating room.
2. Remove and switch off your devices before the anesthesia team begins.
3. Label and store them in a protective case; bring spare batteries or charger.

After Surgery

• Ask for them back as soon as you’re alert enough to manage them yourself.
• Replace batteries or recharge before reinserting to avoid frustration and communication gaps.
• If you experience discomfort, buzzing or feedback, let your audiologist or surgeon know.

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Day-Of-Surgery Checklist

Before you leave home, gather:

• Glasses, contact lens case & solution
• Denture container with a damp cloth
• Hearing aid case with fresh batteries
• Written list of any special needs (e.g., lip-reading, sign language)

At the hospital:

• Confirm with nursing staff that you’ve removed all recommended items.
• Show them where your devices are stored.
• Ask any lingering questions about when you can resume normal use.

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Communicating With Your Care Team

• Tell staff if you rely heavily on hearing aids or written notes.
• If lip-reading, request face-to-face explanations in low-noise settings.
• Speak up about discomfort when you wake; small irritations (dry eyes, sore gums) can escalate without timely attention.

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Post-Operative Safety and Symptom Checks

After surgery, any new or worsening symptoms—such as vision changes, oral pain or ear discomfort—should be reported right away. You might consider doing a free, online symptom check, using the doctor approved Ubie Symptom Checker to help you decide if you need urgent care.

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When to Speak to a Doctor

Contact your surgical team or primary doctor immediately if you experience:

• Extreme pain or swelling around eyes, mouth or ears
• Inability to breathe, swallow or speak clearly
• Signs of infection: fever, persistent redness or discharge
• Sudden changes in vision or hearing

For anything life-threatening or serious, call emergency services without delay.

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Final Tips

• Pack all your devices in a clear, labeled tote.
• Double-check removal right before you’re whisked to the OR.
• Keep emergency contact information and device instructions handy.
• Plan for a family member or friend to help you readjust your devices after surgery.

Preparing thoughtfully for contact lenses, dentures and hearing aids on the day of surgery reduces stress and helps your care team focus on what matters most—your safe procedure and recovery. Always follow your surgeon’s specific guidelines and speak to a doctor if you have any doubts or serious concerns.