The summer months offer a wealth of stimulating experiences, thrilling outdoor adventures, and wonderful experiences that create lifelong memories. Whether you’re hanging out by the pool, going to summer concerts, hiking trails, or just enjoying backyard cookouts, your hearing aids play a vital role in keeping you connected. Warmer temperatures and outdoor settings can pose various difficulties for people who depend on hearing aids. To make sure your devices continue to working perfectly through the season, it’s essential to understand how to care for them correctly during summer.
Summer challenges faced by people who use hearing aids
Each season presents its own obstacles for hearing aid users, and summer’s warm, frequently humid conditions can put your devices at risk. Common summer issues to watch out for:
Moisture and humidity
Exposure to moisture from activities involving water, rain, or excessive sweating can pose a threat to hearing aids. High humidity levels can permeate into fragile electronic components, potentially creating malfunctions or oxidation. Even small amounts of moisture within your devices can impact sound quality or damage them permanently.
Wind and outside 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 minor inconvenience. Participating in outdoor pursuits such as 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
Exposing hearing aids to direct sunlight or high temperatures, like keeping them on a car dashboard, can result in overheating, decreased battery life, or melting of plastic parts. Extreme heat speeds up wear and tear and reduces device lifespan.
Summer tips for protecting your hearing aids
With a few sensible habits, you can keep your hearing aids safe, dry, and working at their best, regardless of your summer plans are.
1. Protect your hearing aids against water
- Remove Before Swimming or Showering: Always take out 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.
- Air Out Overnight: Open up the battery compartments and keep hearing aids in a drying container or dehumidifier overnight to prevent moisture buildup.
2. Control perspiration during exercise
- Consider wearing sweatbands or headbands to soak up extra sweat and shield your ears and hearing devices while working out or doing tasks outside.
- Prevent 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. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene
- Frequent Cleaning Routine: Clean your hearing aids every day with disinfectant wipes made for electronics or hearing devices to decrease bacteria growth due to heat and sweat.
- Remove Debris: Examine your devices often for dust, dirt, or earwax accumulation and clean as necessary. Regular cleanings carried out by your hearing professional every couple of months can help avoid permanent damage.
- Don’t forget to keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry area when they are not being used. Refrain from leaving them exposed to sunlight or hot temperatures.
4. Keep an eye on device performance and speak with a professional for assistance
If you detect any changes in sound quality, feedback, or battery life during summer months, don’t wait to consult your hearing care professional. They can carry out required upkeep or repairs to keep your hearing aids functioning efficiently.
Enjoy a worry-free summer with well-cared-for hearing aids
Summer is a time for forging long lasting experiences, not for stressing about your hearing devices. By being mindful 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 set up a thorough check-up, book a consultation with a specialist at your earliest convenience. Enjoy your summer to the fullest, knowing your hearing aids are ready for any adventure.