Summer is a season full of adventure, outdoor fun, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re spending time by the pool, attending summer concerts, hiking trails, or simply enjoying backyard barbecues, your hearing aids play a vital role in keeping you connected. However, warm weather and outdoor environments bring distinct obstacles for hearing aid users. To make sure your devices keep working perfectly through the season, it’s essential to understand how to take care of them correctly during summer.
Common summer challenges for hearing aid users
The changing seasons can pose distinct challenges for those who wear hearing aids, with the hot and humid weather of summer being especially hazardous to the effective functioning of these devices. Here are some typical problems you might encounter during the summer months:
Moisture and humidity
Exposure to moisture from activities featuring water, rain, or excessive sweating can pose a risk to hearing aids. High humidity levels can seep into fragile electronic components, potentially creating malfunctions or oxidation. Even modest amounts of moisture within your devices can affect sound quality or damage them permanently.
Wind and outdoor elements
Strong breezes aren’t simply an annoyance, they can dislodge hearing aids from your ears or introduce dust, sand, and debris into delicate parts. Participating in outdoor pursuits including 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 lead to overheating, reduced battery life, or distortion of plastic parts. Intense heat accelerates deterioration and reduces the longevity of devices.
Tips to protect 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. Shield your hearing aids from water
- Remove Before Swimming or Showering: Always remove your hearing aids before swimming, showering, or any water exposure. To prevent water from getting into your ears, consider using swim caps or waterproof earplugs.
- 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.
- To reduce moisture accumulation, leave the battery door open and place the hearing aids in a drying case or dehumidifying device for several hours or overnight, allowing them to air out thoroughly.
2. Manage sweat and physical activity
- Use Sweatbands or Headbands: These soak up excess sweat and protect both your ears and hearing aids while exercising or doing outdoor chores.
- Keep Ears Clean and Dry: Regularly dry your ears thoroughly before reinserting hearing aids to avoid moisture transfer.
3. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene
- Regular Cleaning Routine: Wipe your hearing aids every day with disinfectant wipes made for electronics or hearing devices to reduce bacteria growth due to heat and sweat.
- Remove Debris: Examine your devices frequently 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 put 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. Monitor device function and seek professional help
If you experience changes in how well you hear, any sounds coming from your hearing device, or how long the battery lasts in the warmer season, make sure to reach out to your hearing specialist without delay. They are able to perform vital upkeep or repairs in order to ensure that your hearing aids function properly.
Have a stress-free summer with well-maintained hearing aids
Summer is a time for forging long lasting experiences, not for worrying 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.
If you’re not sure about the best way to protect your hearing aids or need professional upkeep, schedule an appointment today. Enjoy your summer to the fullest, knowing your hearing aids are ready for any adventure.
