Summer is a season filled with adventure, outdoor fun, and unforgettable moments. Your hearing aids are essential for staying connected as you engage in activities like lounging by the pool, going to summer music events, exploring hiking paths, or hosting backyard cookouts. However, warm weather and outside environments bring unique obstacles for hearing aid users. To be certain your devices keep working perfectly through the season, it’s important to recognize how to care for them properly during summer.
Summer difficulties encountered by people with hearing aids
Each season introduces its own obstacles for hearing aid wearers, and summer’s warm, frequently humid conditions can put your devices in jeopardy. Here are a few common problems you might encounter during the summer months:
Humidity and moisture
Exposure to moisture from activities featuring water, rain, or excessive sweating can present a risk to hearing aids. High humidity levels can seep into delicate electronic components, potentially creating malfunctions or corrosion. Exposure to even minor humidity inside your devices can compromise audio performance or cause irreversible damage.
Outside elements and wind
Strong winds can cause hearing aids to become loose in your ears or bring particles like dust, sand, and debris into fragile areas, presenting more than just a minor inconvenience. Outside activities like gardening, beach outings, or sports can expose your hearing aids to dust particles that hinder their performance.
Sweltering temperatures and UV rays
Leaving hearing aids in direct sunlight or hot environments, such as a car dashboard, can cause overheating, battery drainage, or warping of plastic components. Intense heat speeds up deterioration and decreases the longevity of devices.
Summer guidelines for protecting your hearing aids
By embracing a handful of helpful routines, you can ensure that your hearing aids stay secure, moisture-free, and working efficiently throughout the summer, regardless of your activities.
1. Protect your hearing aids against water
- Remove Before Swimming or Showering: Always remove your hearing aids before swimming, showering, or any water exposure. Use swim caps or waterproof earplugs to keep your ear canals dry.
- After being exposed to moisture, make sure to gently dry your devices using a soft microfiber cloth. Never utilize heat sources like hair dryers to dry them.
- To reduce moisture build-up, leave the battery compartments open and store the hearing aids in a drying case or dehumidifying device for several hours or overnight, allowing them to dry out completely.
2. Control sweating during exercise
- Think about wearing sweatbands or headbands to soak up extra sweat and shield your ears and hearing devices while working out or doing tasks outside.
- Avoid Moisture Buildup: To keep your hearing aids functioning effectively, make sure to dry your ears thoroughly after showering or bathing before putting them back in.
3. Ensure a sanitary environment
- Frequent Cleaning Routine: Wipe your hearing aids every day with disinfectant wipes made for electronics or hearing devices to reduce bacteria growth caused by heat and sweat.
- Eliminate Debris: Examine your devices often for dust, dirt, or earwax accumulation and clean accordingly. Professional cleanings by your hearing specialist every few months can prevent long-term damage.
- Proper Storage: Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when not in use. Avoid leaving them exposed to sunlight or high temperatures.
4. Keep an eye on device performance and speak with a professional for help
If you experience differences in how well you hear, any sounds coming from your hearing aids, or how long the battery lasts in the hotter season, be certain to reach out to your hearing specialist without delay. They are able to perform essential upkeep or repairs in order to ensure that your hearing aids function properly.
Enjoy a stress-free summer with well-cared-for hearing aids
Summer is meant for creating memories, not for stressing about your hearing aids. By being mindful and taking basic steps to safeguard your devices, you can ensure they can withstand hot temperatures, moisture, and outdoor conditions. This will allow you to enjoy clear sound while experiencing discussions, bird songs, and water splashes.
If you’re not sure about the best way to protect your hearing aids or need professional upkeep, schedule an appointment today. Make the most of your summer with the peace of mind that your hearing aids can keep up with every exciting experience.