Summer is a season filled with adventure, outdoor fun, and memorable 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 crucial part in keeping you connected. But, 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 important to recognize how to take care of them correctly during summer.
Summer challenges encountered by people with hearing aids
Every season presents its own challenges for hearing aid wearers, and summer’s warm, often humid conditions can put your devices in jeopardy. Common summer problems to watch out for:
Moisture and humidity
Exposure to moisture from activities involving water, rain, or excessive sweating can present a risk to hearing aids. Extreme moisture levels have the ability to penetrate sensitive electronic parts, which might result in operational issues or rusting. Even small amounts of moisture inside your devices can impact sound quality or damage them permanently.
Outside elements and wind
Strong winds can cause hearing aids to become loose in your ears or introduce particles like dust, sand, and debris into delicate areas, posing more than just a minor aggravation. Engaging in outside pursuits including gardening, visiting the beach, or playing sports may expose your hearing aids to dust and debris that can impact 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 wear and tear and decreases the lifespan of devices.
Summer guidelines for safeguarding your hearing aids
With a few practical habits, you can keep your hearing aids secure, dry, and working at their best, regardless of your summer plans are.
1. Protect your hearing aids against water
- Pre-Water Precautions: It’s important to remove your hearing aids prior to participating in any aquatic activities, such as swimming or showering, to prevent damage from water exposure. To prevent water from entering into your ears, think about using swim caps or waterproof earplugs.
- After being exposed to moisture, make sure to gently dry your devices using a soft microfiber cloth. Never utilize heat sources like hair dryers to dry them.
- To decrease moisture accumulation, 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 dry out thoroughly.
2. Control perspiration during exercise
- Use Sweatbands or Headbands: These absorb excess sweat and safeguard both your ears and hearing aids during exercise or doing outdoor chores.
- Keep Ears Clean and Dry: Routinely dry your ears completely before reinserting hearing aids to avoid moisture transfer.
3. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene
- Frequent Cleaning Routine: Wipe your hearing aids daily with disinfectant wipes made for electronics or hearing devices to reduce bacteria growth due to heat and sweat.
- Regularly Check and Clean Your Devices: It’s important to periodically examine your devices for any accumulation of debris, such as dust, dirt, or earwax, and take the required steps to eliminate it. Routine cleanings carried out by your hearing professional every couple of months can help avoid permanent harm.
- Remember to put your hearing aids in a cool, dry location when they are not being used. Refrain from leaving them exposed to sunlight or high 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 hotter season, make sure to reach out to your hearing specialist without delay. They are able to conduct 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 meant for creating memories, not for worrying about your hearing aids. By being attentive and taking simple 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 discussions, bird songs, and water splashes.
If you’re not sure about the best way to safeguard your hearing aids or need professional maintenance, make an appointment today. Enjoy your summer to the fullest, knowing your hearing aids are ready for any adventure.
