The summer months provide a wide range of stimulating experiences, exhilarating outdoor activities, and wonderful experiences that make lifelong memories. Your hearing aids are imperative 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 distinct obstacles for hearing aid users. To be certain your devices continue to working perfectly through the season, it’s important to understand how to care for them correctly during summer.
Summer challenges encountered by people with hearing aids
Every season presents its own obstacles for hearing aid users, and summer’s warm, often humid conditions can put your devices at risk. Here are some common problems you may experience during the summer months:
Humidity and moisture
Exposure to moisture from activities involving water, rain, or excessive sweating can present a threat to hearing aids. High humidity levels can seep into delicate electronic components, potentially causing malfunctions or oxidation. Even small amounts of moisture inside your devices can impact sound quality or damage them permanently.
Wind and outdoor elements
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. Outside activities like gardening, beach outings, or sports can subject 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 drain, or melting of plastic components. Extreme heat accelerates wear and tear and shortens device longevity.
Summer guidelines for protecting your hearing aids
With a few practical habits, you can keep your hearing aids secure, dry, and functioning at their best, no matter what your summer plans are.
1. Protect your hearing aids against water
- Remove Before Swimming or Showering: Always remove your hearing aids before swimming, bathing, or any water exposure. To prevent water from entering into your ears, think about using swim caps or waterproof earplugs.
- After being exposed to moisture, be certain to gently dry your devices using a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid using heat-producing devices like hair dryers for drying purposes.
- To decrease moisture build-up, 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 outside chores.
- Avoid Moisture Buildup: To keep your hearing aids working effectively, make sure to dry your ears thoroughly after showering or bathing before putting them back in.
3. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene
- Regular Maintenance: To avoid bacterial buildup triggered by moisture and body heat, incorporate a day-to-day cleaning routine of gently wiping your hearing aids with specialized disinfectant wipes made for electronic devices and hearing instruments.
- Remove Debris: Inspect your devices frequently for dust, dirt, or earwax buildup and clean accordingly. Professional cleanings by your hearing specialist every few months can avoid long-term damage.
- Remember to keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry area when they are not being used. Make sure to keep them away from sunlight and high temperatures.
4. Keep an eye on device operation and speak with a professional for assistance
If you detect differences in how well you hear, any noises coming from your hearing device, or how long the battery lasts in the warmer season, be certain to contact your hearing specialist without hesitation. They are able to conduct vital maintenance or repairs in order to ensure that your hearing aids work effectively.
Enjoy a stress-free summer with well-cared-for hearing aids
Summer is meant for making memories, not for worrying about your hearing aids. By being attentive and taking basic steps to protect 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 expert guidance on safeguarding your hearing aids or to set up a thorough check-up, book a consultation with a specialist at your earliest convenience. Enjoy your summer to the fullest, with confidence that your hearing aids are ready for any adventure.
