Summer is a season filled with adventure, outdoor fun, and unforgettable times. Your hearing aids are essential for remaining connected as you take part in activities like chilling by the pool, going to summer music events, exploring hiking paths, or hosting backyard cookouts. But, warm weather and outdoor environments bring distinct obstacles for hearing aid users. To make sure your devices keep working flawlessly through the season, it’s essential to understand how to care for them properly during summer.
Common summer challenges for hearing aid users
The changing seasons can present unique difficulties for people who use hearing aids, with the hot and humid weather of summer being especially harmful to the proper functioning of these devices. Common summer problems to look out for:
Humidity and moisture
Sweat, rain, and water activities raise moisture exposure for hearing aids. High humidity levels can seep into fragile electronic components, potentially causing malfunctions or corrosion. Exposure to even minor humidity inside your devices can compromise audio effectiveness or lead to irreversible damage.
Outdoor elements and wind
Strong breezes aren’t just an aggravation, they can dislodge hearing aids from your ears or present dust, dirt, and debris into sensitive parts. Outdoor activities like gardening, beach outings, or sports can subject your hearing aids to dust particles that interfere with their performance.
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 shortens device lifespan.
Tips to safeguard your hearing aids all summer long
By adopting a handful of useful routines, you can ensure that your hearing aids remain secure, moisture-free, and functioning efficiently throughout the summer, no matter what your activities.
1. Shield your hearing aids from water
- Take them out Before Swimming or Showering: Always remove your hearing aids before swimming, showering, or any water exposure. To prevent water from entering into your ears, consider using swim caps or waterproof earplugs.
- Dry After Exposure: Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe your devices if they get wet. Never utilize heat sources like hair dryers to dry them.
- To decrease moisture build-up, leave the battery compartments 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
- Consider wearing sweatbands or headbands to soak up extra sweat and shield your ears and hearing devices while working out or doing tasks outside.
- Keep Ears Clean and Dry: Routinely dry your ears thoroughly before reinserting hearing aids to avoid moisture transfer.
3. Ensure a sanitary environment
- Frequent Cleaning Routine: Clean your hearing aids daily with disinfectant wipes made 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 examine your devices for any accumulation of debris, such as dust, dirt, or earwax, and take the necessary measures to remove it. Professional cleanings by your hearing specialist every few months can prevent long-term damage.
- Proper Storage: Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when not in use. Make sure to keep them away from sunlight and high temperatures.
4. Keep an eye on device performance and speak with a professional for assistance
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 are able to perform essential upkeep or repairs in order to ensure that your hearing aids function effectively.
Have a hassle-free summer with well-maintained hearing aids
Summer is meant for making memories, not for worrying about your hearing aids. By being attentive and taking basic steps to safeguard your devices, you can ensure they can endure hot temperatures, moisture, and outdoor conditions. This will allow you to enjoy clear sound while experiencing discussions, bird songs, and water splashes.
For expert guidance on protecting 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.
