Summer is a season filled with adventure, outdoor fun, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re hanging out by the pool, attending summer concerts, hiking trails, or just enjoying backyard barbecues, your hearing aids play a crucial part in keeping you connected. But, warm weather and outside environments bring unique challenges for hearing aid users. To make sure your devices continue to working perfectly through the season, it’s essential to understand how to care for them properly during summer.
Common summer obstacles for hearing aid users
The changing seasons can pose distinct difficulties for those who wear hearing aids, with the hot and humid weather of summer being especially hazardous to the proper functioning of these devices. Here are a few typical 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 causing malfunctions or corrosion. Even small amounts of moisture inside your devices can affect sound quality or damage them permanently.
Wind and outdoor elements
Strong winds can cause hearing aids to become loose in your ears or bring particles like dust, sand, and debris into delicate areas, presenting more than just a slight aggravation. Participating in outside pursuits including gardening, visiting the beach, or playing sports may expose your hearing aids to dust and debris that can affect how well they work.
Heat and sun exposure
Keeping hearing aids in direct sunlight or hot environments, including a car dashboard, can cause overheating, battery drainage, or warping of plastic components. Excessive heat accelerates wear and tear and reduces device longevity.
Tips to safeguard your hearing aids all summer long
With a few practical practices, you can keep your hearing aids secure, dry, and functioning at their best, regardless of 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. Utilize 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 accumulation, 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. Manage sweat and physical activity
- Use Sweatbands or Headbands: These absorb excess sweat and safeguard both your ears and hearing aids during exercise or doing outside chores.
- Prevent Moisture Accumulation: To keep your hearing aids working properly, make sure to dry your ears completely after showering or bathing before putting them back in.
3. Ensure a sanitary environment
- Regular Cleaning Routine: Wipe your hearing aids daily with disinfectant wipes designed for electronics or hearing devices to reduce bacteria growth due to heat and sweat.
- Routinely Check and Clean Your Devices: It’s important to occasionally examine your devices for any accumulation 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 long-term 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 operation and speak with a professional for help
If you notice any changes in sound quality, feedback, or battery drainage during summer months, don’t hesitate to consult your hearing care professional. They can carry out required upkeep or repairs to keep your hearing aids functioning smoothly.
Have a stress-free summer with well-maintained hearing aids
Summer is a time for creating long lasting experiences, not for stressing about your hearing devices. With mindful care and a few easy preventative measures, your devices can handle the heat, moisture, and outdoor elements, letting you enjoy every conversation, bird song, and splash with crystal-clear sound.
If you’re unsure about the best way to safeguard your hearing aids or need professional upkeep, schedule an appointment today. Enjoy your summer to the fullest, knowing your hearing aids are ready for any adventure.
