Summer is a season full of adventure, outdoor fun, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re spending time by the pool, going to summer concerts, hiking trails, or just enjoying backyard cookouts, your hearing aids play a vital part in keeping you connected. Warmer temperatures and outside settings can pose distinct difficulties for individuals who rely on hearing aids. To make sure your devices continue to working perfectly through the season, it’s important to recognize how to care for them properly during summer.
Common summer obstacles for hearing aid users
Each season presents its own challenges for hearing aid users, and summer’s warm, frequently humid conditions can put your devices at risk. Here are a few typical problems you might encounter during the summer months:
Humidity and moisture
Exposure to moisture from activities involving water, rain, or excessive sweating can present a threat to hearing aids. Extreme moisture levels have the ability to penetrate sensitive electronic components, which might lead to operational problems or rusting. Exposure to even minor humidity inside your devices can compromise audio effectiveness or cause irreversible damage.
Outside elements and wind
Strong breezes aren’t just an aggravation, they can displace hearing aids from your ears or present dust, dirt, and debris into sensitive parts. Participating in outside pursuits including gardening, visiting the beach, or playing sports may subject your hearing aids to dirt and debris that can affect how well they function.
Heat and sun exposure
Exposing hearing aids to direct sunlight or high temperatures, like keeping them on a car dashboard, can lead to overheating, reduced battery life, or distortion of plastic parts. Extreme heat accelerates wear and tear and decreases the lifespan of devices.
Summer tips for protecting your hearing aids
With a few sensible habits, you can keep your hearing aids secure, dry, and functioning at their best, regardless of your summer plans are.
1. Protect your hearing aids against water
- Take them out Before Swimming or Showering: Always remove 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 carefully wipe your devices if they get wet. Steer clear of using heat-producing devices such as hair dryers for drying purposes.
- To decrease moisture build-up, leave the battery compartments open and store the hearing aids in a drying case or dehumidifying device for several hours or overnight, allowing them to air out completely.
2. Control sweating during exercise
- Consider using sweatbands or headbands to soak up extra sweat and shield your ears and hearing devices while working out or doing work outside.
- Keep Ears Clean and Dry: Routinely dry your ears completely before reinserting hearing aids to avoid moisture transfer.
3. Ensure a sanitary environment
- Regular Maintenance: To avoid bacterial buildup triggered by moisture and body heat, incorporate a daily cleaning routine of gently wiping your hearing aids with specialized disinfectant wipes suitable for electronic devices and hearing instruments.
- Routinely Check and Clean Your Devices: It’s important to occasionally inspect your devices for any accumulation of debris, such as dust, dirt, or earwax, and take the necessary measures to remove it. Routine cleanings carried out 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. Be sure to keep them away from sunlight and high temperatures.
4. Monitor device function and seek professional help
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 maintenance 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 lasting experiences, not for stressing about your hearing devices. By being mindful and taking simple 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.
If you’re unsure about the best way to protect your hearing aids or need professional upkeep, schedule an appointment today. Make the most of your summer with the confidence that your hearing aids can keep up with every exciting experience.