The summer months provide a wide range of stimulating experiences, exhilarating outdoor adventures, and unforgettable experiences that create lifelong memories. Your hearing aids are essential for staying connected as you engage in activities like lounging by the pool, going to summer music events, exploring hiking paths, or hosting backyard get-togethers. But, warm weather and outside environments bring unique challenges for hearing aid users. Guaranteeing your devices operate properly throughout the warmer months requires a strong understanding of proper maintenance and upkeep techniques especially adapted for the summer season.
Common summer challenges for hearing aid users
Each season introduces its own obstacles for hearing aid users, and summer’s warm, often humid conditions can put your devices in jeopardy. Common summer issues to watch out for:
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. Exposure to even minor humidity within your devices can jeopardize audio performance or cause irreversible damage.
Wind and outside elements
Strong 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 inconvenience. Outdoor activities like gardening, beach trips, or sports can expose your hearing aids to dust particles that interfere with their performance.
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. Excessive heat speeds up wear and tear and shortens device lifespan.
Summer guidelines for safeguarding your hearing aids
With a few sensible practices, you can keep your hearing aids safe, dry, and functioning at their best, no matter what your summer plans are.
1. Safeguard your hearing aids from water
- Take them out Before Swimming or Showering: Always remove your hearing aids before swimming, bathing, or any water exposure. Utilize swim caps or waterproof earplugs to keep your ear canals dry.
- After being exposed to moisture, be certain to gently dry your devices using a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid using heat-producing devices such as hair dryers for drying purposes.
- Air Out Overnight: Open up the battery compartments and store hearing aids in a drying container or dehumidifier at night to remove moisture accumulation.
2. Deal with sweat and physical activity
- Use Sweatbands or Headbands: These soak up excess sweat and safeguard both your ears and hearing aids while exercising or doing outside chores.
- Keep Ears Clean and Dry: Regularly dry your ears thoroughly before reinserting hearing aids to avoid moisture transfer.
3. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene
- Daily Maintenance: To prevent bacterial accumulation caused by moisture and body heat, apply a day-to-day cleaning routine of gently wiping your hearing aids with specialized disinfectant wipes made for electronic devices and hearing instruments.
- Regularly Check and Clean Your Devices: It’s essential to occasionally examine your devices for any accumulation of debris, such as dust, dirt, or earwax, and take the required steps to eliminate it. Professional cleanings by your hearing specialist every few months can prevent long-term damage.
- Don’t forget to keep 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. Keep an eye on device performance and speak with a professional for assistance
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 perform necessary maintenance or repairs to keep your hearing aids working smoothly.
Enjoy a worry-free summer with well-cared-for hearing aids
Summer is meant for creating memories, not for worrying about your hearing aids. With attentive care and a few easy preventative measures, your devices can handle the heat, moisture, and outdoor elements, letting you experience every conversation, bird song, and splash with crystal-clear sound.
If you’re unsure about the best way to safeguard your hearing aids or need professional upkeep, schedule an appointment today. Enjoy your summer to the fullest, with confidence that your hearing aids are ready for any adventure.
