The summer months provide a wide range of exciting experiences, exhilarating outdoor adventures, and unforgettable experiences that make lifelong memories. Your hearing aids are imperative for remaining connected as you take part in activities like lounging by the pool, going to summer music events, exploring hiking paths, or hosting backyard cookouts. However, warm weather and outside environments bring distinct challenges for hearing aid users. To be certain your devices keep working flawlessly through the season, it’s important to understand how to care for them correctly during summer.
Summer difficulties faced by people with hearing aids
Each season introduces its own challenges for hearing aid wearers, and summer’s warm, frequently humid conditions can put your devices in jeopardy. Common summer issues to look out for:
Moisture and humidity
Exposure to moisture from activities involving water, rain, or excessive sweating can present a risk to hearing aids. High humidity levels can seep into fragile electronic components, potentially causing malfunctions or corrosion. Exposure to even minimal humidity within your devices can jeopardize audio performance or cause permanent damage.
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 inconvenience. Participating in outdoor pursuits such as 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 speeds up wear and tear and decreases the lifespan of devices.
Summer tips for safeguarding your hearing aids
By adopting a handful of useful routines, you can ensure that your hearing aids stay secure, moisture-free, and functioning optimally throughout the summer, regardless of your activities.
1. Protect your hearing aids against water
- Pre-Water Precautions: It’s essential to remove your hearing aids prior to participating in any aquatic activities, such as swimming or showering, to avoid damage from water exposure. Use swim caps or waterproof earplugs to keep your ear canals dry.
- 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.
- Air Out Overnight: Open up the battery compartments and store hearing aids in a drying container or dehumidifier at night to prevent moisture accumulation.
2. Control perspiration during exercise
- Consider using sweatbands or headbands to absorb excess sweat and shield your ears and hearing devices while exercising or doing work outside.
- Prevent Moisture Buildup: To keep your hearing aids functioning properly, be certain to dry your ears thoroughly after showering or bathing before putting them back in.
3. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene
- Frequent Cleaning Routine: Clean your hearing aids daily with disinfectant wipes designed for electronics or hearing devices to decrease bacteria growth caused by heat and sweat.
- Eliminate Debris: Examine your devices frequently for dust, dirt, or earwax buildup and clean as necessary. Expert cleanings by your hearing specialist every few months can prevent long-term 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. Keep an eye on device function and get professional help
If you notice any changes in sound quality, feedback, or battery life 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.
Enjoy a worry-free summer with well-cared-for hearing aids
Summer is a time for creating long lasting experiences, not for worrying about your hearing devices. With attentive care and a few simple preventative measures, your devices can take on 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.