Summer is a season filled with adventure, outdoor fun, and memorable moments. 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 outdoor environments bring distinct obstacles for hearing aid users. Ensuring your devices operate smoothly throughout the warmer months requires a strong grasp of appropriate maintenance and upkeep techniques especially adapted for the summer season.
Summer challenges encountered by individuals who use hearing aids
Each season presents its own obstacles for hearing aid wearers, and summer’s warm, often humid conditions can put your devices at risk. Common summer issues to look out for:
Humidity and moisture
Sweat, rain, and water activities raise moisture exposure for hearing aids. Excessive moisture levels have the ability to infiltrate delicate electronic parts, which might result in operational issues or rusting. Exposure to even minor humidity inside your devices can jeopardize audio performance or cause permanent damage.
Outdoor elements and wind
Strong breezes aren’t simply an annoyance, they can displace hearing aids from your ears or introduce dust, sand, and debris into sensitive parts. Participating in outside pursuits such as gardening, visiting the beach, or playing sports may expose your hearing aids to dust and debris that can affect how well they function.
Sweltering temperatures and UV rays
Exposing hearing aids to direct sunlight or high temperatures, like leaving them on a car dashboard, can lead to overheating, reduced battery life, or melting of plastic parts. Extreme heat accelerates deterioration and reduces the lifespan of devices.
Tips to safeguard your hearing aids all summer long
With a few sensible practices, you can keep your hearing aids secure, dry, and working at their best, regardless of your summer plans are.
1. Shield your hearing aids from water
- Pre-Water Precautions: It’s important to take out your hearing aids prior to participating in any aquatic activities, such as swimming or showering, to prevent damage from water exposure. Utilize 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. Steer clear of using heat-producing devices such as hair dryers for drying purposes.
- Air Out Overnight: Open the battery compartments and store hearing aids in a drying container or dehumidifier overnight to prevent moisture buildup.
2. Control perspiration during exercise
- 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 prevent moisture transfer.
3. Ensure a sanitary environment
- Regular Cleaning Routine: Clean your hearing aids daily with disinfectant wipes made for electronics or hearing devices to reduce bacteria growth caused by heat and sweat.
- Regularly Check and Clean Your Devices: It’s important to periodically examine your devices for any accumulation of debris, including dust, dirt, or earwax, and take the required measures to eliminate it. Routine cleanings carried out by your hearing professional every couple of months can help prevent permanent damage.
- Don’t forget to keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry location when they are not being used. Avoid leaving them exposed to sunlight or high temperatures.
4. Keep an eye on device performance and speak with a professional for help
If you experience differences in how well you hear, any sounds coming from your hearing aids, or how long the battery lasts in the warmer season, make sure to contact your hearing specialist without hesitation. They can perform necessary upkeep or repairs to keep your hearing aids working efficiently.
Have a stress-free summer with well-maintained hearing aids
Summer is a time for forging long lasting experiences, not for worrying about your hearing devices. With mindful 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 not sure about the best way to safeguard your hearing aids or need professional upkeep, make an appointment today. Enjoy your summer to the fullest, with confidence that your hearing aids are ready for any adventure.