The summer months provide a wealth of stimulating experiences, exhilarating outdoor activities, and wonderful experiences that create lifelong memories. Your hearing aids are essential 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 cookouts. However, warm weather and outdoor environments bring unique challenges for hearing aid users. To be certain your devices continue to working flawlessly 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 wearers, and summer’s warm, often humid conditions can put your devices at risk. Here are a few typical issues you might encounter during the summer months:
Humidity and moisture
Sweat, rain, and water activities increase moisture exposure for hearing aids. Extreme moisture levels have the ability to infiltrate delicate electronic parts, which may lead to operational problems or rusting. Exposure to even minor humidity within your devices can compromise audio performance or cause permanent damage.
Outside elements and wind
Strong breezes aren’t just an annoyance, they can displace hearing aids from your ears or introduce dust, dirt, and debris into sensitive parts. Outdoor activities like gardening, beach trips, or sports can expose your hearing aids to dirt particles that interfere with their performance.
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 distortion of plastic parts. Excessive heat accelerates wear and tear and reduces device longevity.
Tips to protect your hearing aids all summer long
With a few sensible habits, you can keep your hearing aids secure, dry, and functioning at their best, no matter what your summer plans are.
1. Protect your hearing aids against water
- Pre-Water Precautions: It’s essential to remove your hearing aids before engaging in any aquatic activities, including swimming or showering, to avoid damage from water exposure. To prevent water from entering into your ears, think about using swim caps or waterproof earplugs.
- Dry After Exposure: Use a soft microfiber cloth to carefully wipe your devices if they get wet. Avoid using heat-producing devices such as hair dryers for drying purposes.
- Air Out Overnight: Open the battery compartments and store hearing aids in a drying container or dehumidifier overnight to prevent moisture buildup.
2. Deal with 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.
- Avoid Moisture Accumulation: To keep your hearing aids working properly, be certain to dry your ears completely after showering or bathing before putting them back in.
3. Ensure a sanitary environment
- Regular Maintenance: To avoid bacterial buildup triggered by moisture and body heat, apply a day-to-day cleaning routine of gently wiping your hearing aids with specialized disinfectant wipes made for electronic devices and hearing instruments.
- Routinely Check and Clean Your Devices: It’s essential to occasionally examine your devices for any build-up 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 avoid 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 high temperatures.
4. Keep an eye on device operation 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 get in touch with your hearing care professional. They can carry out necessary maintenance or repairs to keep your hearing aids working efficiently.
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 conversations, 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. Enjoy your summer to the fullest, knowing your hearing aids are ready for any adventure.
