Summer is a season filled with adventure, outdoor fun, and memorable times. Whether you’re hanging out by the pool, attending summer concerts, hiking trails, or simply enjoying backyard barbecues, your hearing aids play a vital part in keeping you connected. However, warm weather and outdoor environments bring unique obstacles for hearing aid users. To make sure your devices keep working flawlessly through the season, it’s important to understand how to take care of them properly during summer.
Common summer challenges for hearing aid users
The changing seasons can pose distinct difficulties for individuals who wear hearing aids, with the hot and humid weather of summer being especially harmful to the effective functioning of these devices. Typical summer problems to look out for:
Moisture and humidity
Exposure to moisture from activities involving water, rain, or excessive sweating can pose a threat to hearing aids. Excessive moisture levels have the ability to infiltrate delicate electronic components, which may result in operational issues or rusting. Even modest amounts of moisture inside your devices can affect sound quality or damage them permanently.
Outside elements and wind
Strong breezes aren’t simply an annoyance, they can displace hearing aids from your ears or present dust, dirt, and debris into delicate parts. Engaging in outdoor pursuits including gardening, visiting the beach, or playing sports might subject your hearing aids to dirt and debris that can impact how well they work.
Heat and sun exposure
Leaving hearing aids in direct sunlight or hot environments, such as a car dashboard, can cause overheating, battery drainage, or melting of plastic components. Intense heat accelerates deterioration and decreases the lifespan of devices.
Tips to protect your hearing aids all summer long
With a few practical practices, you can keep your hearing aids safe, dry, and functioning at their best, no matter what your summer plans are.
1. Protect your hearing aids against water
- Remove Before Swimming or Showering: Always take out your hearing aids before swimming, bathing, or any water exposure. To stop water from getting into your ears, think about using swim caps or waterproof earplugs.
- After being exposed to moisture, be certain to gently dry your devices using a soft microfiber cloth. Never use heat sources like hair dryers to dry them.
- Air Out Overnight: Open the battery compartments and store hearing aids in a drying container or dehumidifier at night to prevent moisture accumulation.
2. Control sweating during exercise
- Use Sweatbands or Headbands: These soak up excess sweat and safeguard both your ears and hearing aids during exercise or doing outdoor chores.
- Avoid Moisture Buildup: To keep your hearing aids functioning properly, make sure to dry your ears thoroughly after showering or bathing before putting them back in.
3. Ensure a hygienic environment
- Daily Maintenance: To avoid bacterial buildup caused by moisture and body heat, incorporate a daily cleaning habit of gently wiping your hearing aids with specialized disinfectant wipes made for electronic devices and hearing instruments.
- Remove Debris: Examine your devices often for dust, dirt, or earwax buildup and clean accordingly. Regular cleanings performed by your hearing professional every couple of months can help avoid long-term damage.
- Remember to keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry area when they are not being used. Make sure to keep them away from sunlight and high temperatures.
4. Keep an eye on device operation and consult a professional for assistance
If you experience changes in how well you hear, any sounds coming from your hearing aids, or how long the battery lasts in the hotter season, be certain to reach out to your hearing specialist without hesitation. They are able to perform vital maintenance or repairs in order to ensure that your hearing aids work effectively.
Enjoy a worry-free summer with well-cared-for hearing aids
Summer is meant for creating memories, not for stressing about your hearing aids. By being attentive and taking basic steps to protect 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.
If you’re not sure about the best way to protect your hearing aids or need professional maintenance, schedule an appointment today. Make the most of your summer with the confidence that your hearing aids can keep up with every exciting experience.
