The summer months provide a wealth of stimulating experiences, exhilarating outdoor activities, and wonderful experiences that create lifelong memories. Whether you’re hanging out by the pool, going to summer concerts, hiking trails, or just enjoying backyard cookouts, your hearing aids play a crucial part in keeping you connected. But, warm weather and outside environments bring unique challenges for hearing aid users. To be certain your devices continue to working flawlessly through the season, it’s important to recognize how to take care of them correctly during summer.
Common summer obstacles for hearing aid users
The changing seasons can present distinct difficulties for individuals who wear hearing aids, with the hot and humid weather of summer being particularly hazardous to the effective functioning of these devices. Common summer problems to watch out for:
Moisture and humidity
Exposure to moisture from activities involving water, rain, or excessive sweating can pose a threat to hearing aids. Extreme moisture levels have the ability to infiltrate sensitive electronic components, which may result in operational problems or rusting. Exposure to even minor humidity inside your devices can jeopardize audio effectiveness or lead to permanent damage.
Outside elements and wind
Powerful winds can cause hearing aids to become loose in your ears or introduce particles like dust, sand, and debris into delicate areas, presenting more than just a minor aggravation. Engaging in outside pursuits such as gardening, visiting the beach, or playing sports might expose your hearing aids to dust 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 result in overheating, decreased battery life, or melting of plastic parts. Extreme heat speeds up deterioration and decreases the lifespan of devices.
Tips to protect your hearing aids all summer long
By embracing a handful of useful routines, you can ensure that your hearing aids stay secure, moisture-free, and functioning efficiently throughout the summer, regardless of your activities.
1. Shield your hearing aids from water
- Take them out Before Swimming or Showering: Always remove 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.
- Dry After Exposure: Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently 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 door open and store the hearing aids in a drying case or dehumidifying device for several hours or overnight, allowing them to air out thoroughly.
2. Control sweating during exercise
- Use Sweatbands or Headbands: These absorb excess sweat and safeguard both your ears and hearing aids while exercising or doing outside chores.
- Avoid Moisture Buildup: To keep your hearing aids functioning effectively, be certain to dry your ears thoroughly after showering or bathing before putting them back in.
3. Ensure a sanitary environment
- Regular Cleaning Routine: Clean your hearing aids every day with disinfectant wipes made for electronics or hearing devices to reduce bacteria growth caused by heat and sweat.
- Regularly Check and Clean Your Devices: It’s important to periodically inspect your devices for any build-up of debris, such as dust, dirt, or earwax, and take the necessary measures to eliminate it. Expert cleanings by your hearing specialist every few months can prevent long-term damage.
- Proper Storage: Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when not in use. Be sure to keep them away from sunlight and high temperatures.
4. Monitor device function and get professional help
If you detect any changes in sound quality, feedback, or battery drainage during summer months, don’t wait to consult your hearing care professional. They can carry out required maintenance or repairs to keep your hearing aids working smoothly.
Take pleasure in a worry-free summer with well-cared-for hearing aids
Summer is a time for forging long lasting experiences, not for worrying about your hearing devices. By being attentive and taking simple steps to safeguard your devices, you can ensure they can withstand 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. Make the most of your summer with the peace of mind that your hearing aids can keep up with every exciting experience.