The summer months provide a wide range of stimulating experiences, thrilling outdoor adventures, 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 cookouts. However, warm weather and outdoor environments bring unique challenges for hearing aid users. To make sure your devices keep working perfectly through the season, it’s essential to understand how to take care of them properly during summer.
Summer difficulties faced by individuals who use hearing aids
Each season introduces its own obstacles for hearing aid wearers, and summer’s warm, often humid conditions can put your devices at risk. Here are some common issues you may experience during the summer months:
Moisture and humidity
Sweat, rain, and water activities raise moisture exposure for hearing aids. Excessive moisture levels have the ability to penetrate sensitive electronic parts, which may lead to operational problems or rusting. Even modest amounts of moisture within your devices can impact sound quality or damage them permanently.
Wind and outside elements
Powerful winds can cause hearing aids to become loose in your ears or introduce particles like dust, sand, and debris into fragile areas, posing more than just a minor aggravation. Participating in outside pursuits such as gardening, visiting the beach, or playing sports might expose your hearing aids to dirt and debris that can impact how well they work.
Heat and sun exposure
Keeping hearing aids in direct sunlight or hot environments, including 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 safeguarding your hearing aids
With a few practical habits, you can keep your hearing aids secure, dry, and functioning at their best, regardless of your summer plans are.
1. Safeguard your hearing aids from water
- Pre-Water Precautions: It’s essential to remove your hearing aids prior to engaging in any aquatic activities, including swimming or showering, to avoid damage from water exposure. Utilize swim caps or waterproof earplugs to keep your ear canals dry.
- Dry After Exposure: Use a soft microfiber cloth to carefully wipe your devices if they get wet. Avoid using heat-producing devices like hair dryers for drying purposes.
- To reduce moisture accumulation, 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 dry out thoroughly.
2. Control perspiration during exercise
- Think about wearing sweatbands or headbands to soak up extra sweat and shield your ears and hearing devices while working out or doing work outside.
- Keep Ears Clean and Dry: Routinely dry your ears thoroughly before reinserting hearing aids to prevent moisture transfer.
3. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene
- Frequent Cleaning Routine: Clean your hearing aids daily with disinfectant wipes made for electronics or hearing devices to decrease bacteria growth due to heat and sweat.
- Remove Debris: Inspect your devices often for dust, dirt, or earwax accumulation and clean as necessary. Professional cleanings by your hearing specialist every few months can avoid long-term damage.
- Proper Storage: Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when not in use. Refrain from leaving them exposed to sunlight or high temperatures.
4. Keep an eye on device operation and consult a professional for help
If you experience differences in how well you hear, any sounds coming from your hearing device, or how long the battery lasts in the warmer season, be certain to contact your hearing specialist without delay. They are able to perform essential maintenance or repairs in order to ensure that your hearing aids function effectively.
Take pleasure in a worry-free summer with well-cared-for hearing aids
Summer is meant for creating memories, not for stressing about your hearing aids. With attentive care and a few simple preventative measures, your devices can take on the heat, moisture, and outdoor elements, letting you enjoy 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 maintenance, make an appointment today. Enjoy your summer to the fullest, knowing your hearing aids are ready for any adventure.