Summer is a season filled with adventure, outdoor fun, and unforgettable moments. 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 unique challenges for hearing aid users. Ensuring your devices operate properly throughout the warmer months requires a solid grasp of proper maintenance and upkeep techniques especially tailored for the summer season.
Common summer challenges for hearing aid users
Each season presents its own challenges for hearing aid users, and summer’s warm, frequently humid conditions can put your devices in jeopardy. Common summer problems to look out for:
Humidity and moisture
Sweat, rain, and water activities increase moisture exposure for hearing aids. Excessive moisture levels have the ability to penetrate delicate electronic components, which may lead to operational issues or rusting. Even modest amounts of moisture inside your devices can affect sound quality or damage them permanently.
Outdoor elements and wind
Powerful winds can cause hearing aids to become loose in your ears or bring particles like dust, sand, and debris into delicate areas, posing more than just a minor inconvenience. Engaging in outside pursuits including gardening, visiting the beach, or playing sports may subject your hearing aids to dust and debris that can affect how well they work.
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. Intense heat speeds up wear and tear and decreases the longevity of devices.
Summer tips for safeguarding your hearing aids
With a few sensible practices, you can keep your hearing aids secure, dry, and working at their best, no matter what your summer plans are.
1. Protect your hearing aids against water
- Pre-Water Precautions: It’s important to remove your hearing aids before participating in any aquatic activities, including swimming or showering, to prevent damage from water exposure. Use 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. Never utilize heat sources like hair dryers to dry them.
- To decrease moisture accumulation, leave the battery compartments open and store the hearing aids in a drying case or dehumidifying device for several hours or overnight, allowing them to dry out completely.
2. Control perspiration during exercise
- Use Sweatbands or Headbands: These soak up excess sweat and protect both your ears and hearing aids while exercising or doing outdoor chores.
- Avoid Moisture Accumulation: To keep your hearing aids functioning effectively, be certain to dry your ears thoroughly after showering or bathing before putting them back in.
3. Ensure a hygienic environment
- Daily Maintenance: To avoid bacterial buildup caused by moisture and body heat, incorporate a day-to-day cleaning routine of gently wiping your hearing aids with specialized disinfectant wipes suitable for electronic devices and hearing instruments.
- Eliminate Debris: Examine your devices often for dust, dirt, or earwax buildup and clean accordingly. Professional cleanings by your hearing specialist every few months can prevent long-term damage.
- Remember to put 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 function and get professional 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 conduct essential maintenance or repairs in order to ensure that your hearing aids work properly.
Have a stress-free summer with well-maintained hearing aids
Summer is a time for creating lasting experiences, not for worrying about your hearing devices. With mindful care and a few easy 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 not sure about the best way to protect your hearing aids or need professional maintenance, schedule an appointment today. Enjoy your summer to the fullest, knowing your hearing aids are ready for any adventure.
