Summer is a season full of adventure, outdoor fun, and unforgettable times. Your hearing aids are imperative 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 get-togethers. However, warm weather and outside environments bring unique obstacles for hearing aid users. To make sure your devices continue to working flawlessly through the season, it’s essential to recognize how to take care of them correctly during summer.
Common summer challenges for hearing aid users
The changing seasons can pose distinct challenges for people who use hearing aids, with the hot and humid weather of summer being particularly harmful to the effective functioning of these devices. Typical summer issues to watch out for:
Humidity and moisture
Exposure to moisture from activities involving water, rain, or excessive sweating can present a risk to hearing aids. High humidity levels can seep into fragile electronic components, potentially creating malfunctions or oxidation. Exposure to even minimal humidity inside your devices can compromise audio effectiveness or cause permanent damage.
Outside elements and wind
Strong breezes aren’t simply an annoyance, they can displace hearing aids from your ears or present dust, dirt, and debris into sensitive parts. Engaging in outdoor pursuits including gardening, visiting the beach, or playing sports may subject your hearing aids to dust and debris that can impact how well they function.
Heat and sun exposure
Exposing hearing aids to direct sunlight or high temperatures, like leaving them on a car dashboard, can lead to overheating, reduced battery life, or distortion of plastic parts. Extreme heat speeds up wear and tear and shortens device longevity.
Summer tips for protecting your hearing aids
With a few practical habits, you can keep your hearing aids secure, dry, and working at their best, no matter what your summer plans are.
1. Protect your hearing aids against water
- Remove Before Swimming or Showering: Always remove your hearing aids before swimming, bathing, or any water exposure. Use swim caps or waterproof earplugs to keep your ear canals dry.
- Dry After Exposure: Use a soft microfiber cloth to carefully wipe your devices if they get wet. Steer clear of using heat-producing devices such as hair dryers for drying purposes.
- To reduce moisture build-up, leave the battery door open and place the hearing aids in a drying case or dehumidifying device for several hours or overnight, allowing them to air out thoroughly.
2. Deal with sweat and physical activity
- Use Sweatbands or Headbands: These soak up excess sweat and protect both your ears and hearing aids during exercise or doing outdoor chores.
- Prevent Moisture Buildup: To keep your hearing aids working effectively, make sure to dry your ears thoroughly after showering or bathing before putting them back in.
3. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene
- Regular Cleaning Routine: Wipe your hearing aids every day with disinfectant wipes designed for electronics or hearing devices to decrease bacteria growth caused by heat and sweat.
- Regularly Check and Clean Your Devices: It’s essential to occasionally inspect your devices for any build-up of debris, including dust, dirt, or earwax, and take the required measures to eliminate it. Regular cleanings performed by your hearing professional every couple of months can help prevent long-term harm.
- Don’t forget to keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry location when they are not being used. Make sure to keep them away from sunlight and high temperatures.
4. Keep an eye on device operation and consult a professional for assistance
If you detect any changes in sound quality, feedback, or battery life during summer months, don’t hesitate to consult your hearing care professional. They can carry out necessary upkeep 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 basic steps to protect 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.
For professional guidance on safeguarding your hearing aids or to arrange a thorough check-up, book a consultation with a specialist at your earliest convenience. Make the most of your summer with the peace of mind that your hearing aids can keep up with every exciting experience.