Summer is a season filled with adventure, outdoor fun, and memorable times. Whether you’re hanging out by the pool, going to summer concerts, hiking trails, or simply enjoying backyard cookouts, your hearing aids play a vital part in keeping you connected. But, warm weather and outside environments bring unique challenges for hearing aid users. To make sure your devices keep working perfectly through the season, it’s essential to understand how to care for them correctly during summer.
Summer difficulties encountered by people with hearing aids
Each season introduces its own challenges for hearing aid wearers, and summer’s warm, often humid conditions can put your devices in jeopardy. Here are some common issues you may encounter during the summer months:
Humidity and moisture
Exposure to moisture from activities featuring water, rain, or excessive sweating can pose a threat to hearing aids. Excessive moisture levels have the ability to infiltrate delicate electronic parts, which may lead to operational problems or rusting. Even small amounts of moisture inside your devices can impact sound quality or damage them permanently.
Outside elements and wind
Strong winds can cause hearing aids to become loose in your ears or introduce particles like dust, sand, and debris into fragile areas, posing more than just a slight inconvenience. Outdoor activities like gardening, beach outings, or sports can subject your hearing aids to dust particles that interfere with their performance.
Sweltering temperatures and UV rays
Exposing hearing aids to direct sunlight or high temperatures, like keeping them on a car dashboard, can result in overheating, reduced battery life, or distortion of plastic parts. Extreme heat accelerates wear and tear and shortens device longevity.
Tips to safeguard your hearing aids all summer long
With a few sensible practices, you can keep your hearing aids secure, dry, and working at their best, regardless of your summer plans are.
1. Safeguard your hearing aids from water
- Take them out Before Swimming or Showering: Always take out your hearing aids before swimming, showering, or any water exposure. Utilize swim caps or waterproof earplugs to keep your ear canals dry.
- Dry After Exposure: Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe your devices if they get wet. Avoid using heat-producing devices like 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. Deal with sweat and physical activity
- Consider using sweatbands or headbands to soak up excess sweat and shield your ears and hearing devices while working out or doing tasks outside.
- Avoid Moisture Accumulation: To keep your hearing aids working effectively, be certain to dry your ears thoroughly after showering or bathing before putting them back in.
3. Ensure a hygienic environment
- Regular Maintenance: To prevent bacterial buildup caused by moisture and body heat, incorporate a daily cleaning routine of gently wiping your hearing aids with specialized disinfectant wipes made for electronic devices and hearing instruments.
- Eliminate Debris: Inspect your devices often for dust, dirt, or earwax accumulation and clean accordingly. Regular cleanings performed by your hearing professional every couple of months can help avoid long-term harm.
- Remember to put 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 performance and speak with a professional for help
If you notice any changes in sound quality, feedback, or battery drainage during summer months, don’t wait to consult your hearing care professional. They are able to conduct vital upkeep or repairs in order to ensure that your hearing aids work properly.
Have a stress-free summer with well-maintained hearing aids.
Summer is a time for forging long lasting experiences, not for stressing about your hearing devices. 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 conversations, 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.
