Summer is a season full of adventure, outdoor fun, and unforgettable times. Your hearing aids are essential for remaining connected as you take part in activities like lounging by the pool, going to summer music events, exploring hiking paths, or hosting backyard cookouts. But, warm weather and outdoor environments bring distinct challenges for hearing aid users. To be certain your devices keep working perfectly through the season, it’s important to understand how to take care of them correctly during summer.
Common summer challenges for hearing aid users
The changing seasons can present unique challenges for people who use hearing aids, with the hot and humid weather of summer being especially harmful to the effective functioning of these devices. Typical summer problems to look out for:
Humidity and moisture
Sweat, rain, and water activities raise moisture exposure for hearing aids. Excessive moisture levels have the ability to penetrate sensitive electronic parts, which may result in operational problems or rusting. Even small amounts of moisture within your devices can affect sound quality or damage them permanently.
Wind and outdoor elements
Powerful winds can cause hearing aids to become loose in your ears or introduce particles like dust, sand, and debris into delicate areas, posing more than just a slight aggravation. Participating in outside pursuits including gardening, visiting the beach, or playing sports might subject your hearing aids to dirt and debris that can impact how well they function.
Heat and sun exposure
Keeping hearing aids in direct sunlight or hot environments, such as a car dashboard, can cause overheating, battery drain, or melting of plastic components. Intense heat speeds up wear and tear and reduces the lifespan of devices.
Summer tips for safeguarding your hearing aids
By adopting a handful of useful routines, you can ensure that your hearing aids stay secure, moisture-free, and working optimally throughout the summer, regardless of your activities.
1. Protect your hearing aids against water
- Take them out Before Swimming or Showering: Always remove your hearing aids before swimming, showering, or any water exposure. To stop water from getting into your ears, think about using swim caps or waterproof earplugs.
- Dry After Exposure: Use a soft microfiber cloth to carefully wipe your devices if they get wet. Avoid using heat-producing devices such as hair dryers for drying purposes.
- Air Out Overnight: Open up the battery compartments and keep hearing aids in a drying container or dehumidifier at night to prevent moisture buildup.
2. Control perspiration during exercise
- Wear Sweatbands or Headbands: These absorb excess sweat and safeguard both your ears and hearing aids during exercise or doing outside chores.
- Keep Ears Clean and Dry: Regularly dry your ears completely before reinserting hearing aids to prevent moisture transfer.
3. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene
- Daily Maintenance: To avoid bacterial buildup triggered by moisture and body heat, apply a day-to-day cleaning routine of gently wiping your hearing aids with specialized disinfectant wipes suitable for electronic devices and hearing instruments.
- Regularly Check and Clean Your Devices: It’s essential to periodically inspect your devices for any build-up of debris, such as dust, dirt, or earwax, and take the required steps to eliminate it. Routine cleanings performed by your hearing professional every couple of months can help prevent permanent damage.
- Proper Storage: Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when not in use. Refrain from leaving them exposed to sunlight or hot temperatures.
4. Keep an eye on device function and seek professional help
If you detect differences in how well you hear, any sounds coming from your hearing device, or how long the battery lasts in the hotter season, be certain to contact your hearing specialist without delay. They can carry out necessary maintenance or repairs to keep your hearing aids functioning efficiently.
Have a hassle-free summer with well-maintained hearing aids
Summer is meant for creating memories, not for stressing about your hearing aids. By being attentive and taking simple 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 conversations, 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 thrilling experience.