Summer is a season filled with adventure, outdoor fun, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re spending time by the pool, attending summer concerts, hiking trails, or just enjoying backyard cookouts, your hearing aids play a crucial part in keeping you connected. However, warm weather and outside environments bring unique obstacles for hearing aid users. Ensuring your devices function properly throughout the warmer months requires a strong understanding of proper maintenance and upkeep techniques especially adapted for the summer season.
Common summer obstacles for hearing aid users
The changing seasons can present unique difficulties for people who use hearing aids, with the hot and humid weather of summer being particularly harmful to the proper functioning of these devices. Common summer issues to watch out for:
Moisture and humidity
Exposure to moisture from activities featuring 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. Exposure to even minor humidity inside your devices can compromise audio effectiveness or cause irreversible damage.
Outdoor elements and wind
Strong 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 aggravation. Outdoor activities like gardening, beach outings, or sports can subject your hearing aids to dust particles that hinder their performance.
Sweltering temperatures and UV rays
Exposing hearing aids to direct sunlight or high temperatures, like leaving them on a car dashboard, can result in overheating, reduced battery life, or melting of plastic parts. Intense heat accelerates deterioration and reduces the lifespan of devices.
Summer tips for safeguarding your hearing aids
With a few practical practices, you can keep your hearing aids safe, dry, and working at their best, regardless of your summer plans are.
1. Shield your hearing aids from water
- Remove Before Swimming or Showering: Always take out your hearing aids before swimming, bathing, or any water exposure. To prevent water from getting into your ears, consider using swim caps or waterproof earplugs.
- After being exposed to moisture, be certain to gently dry your devices using a soft microfiber cloth. Steer clear of using heat-producing devices such as hair dryers for drying purposes.
- To decrease 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 air out completely.
2. Control perspiration during exercise
- Consider using sweatbands or headbands to soak up extra sweat and shield your ears and hearing devices while working out or doing tasks outside.
- Keep Ears Clean and Dry: Routinely dry your ears completely before reinserting hearing aids to avoid moisture transfer.
3. Ensure a sanitary environment
- 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 suitable for electronic devices and hearing instruments.
- Regularly Check and Clean Your Devices: It’s important to occasionally examine your devices for any accumulation of debris, including dust, dirt, or earwax, and take the required measures to eliminate it. Expert cleanings by your hearing specialist every few months can prevent long-term damage.
- Remember to keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry location when they are not being used. Be sure to keep them away from sunlight and high temperatures.
4. Keep an eye on device function and seek professional help
If you experience changes 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 reach out to your hearing specialist without hesitation. They can perform necessary upkeep or repairs to keep your hearing aids working smoothly.
Enjoy a worry-free summer with well-cared-for hearing aids
Summer is meant for creating memories, not for stressing about your hearing aids. 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 unsure about the best way to protect your hearing aids or need professional upkeep, schedule an appointment today. Make the most of your summer with the confidence that your hearing aids can keep up with every thrilling experience.