Summer is a season full of adventure, outdoor fun, and unforgettable moments. Your hearing aids are essential for staying connected as you engage in activities like chilling by the pool, going to summer music events, exploring hiking paths, or hosting backyard cookouts. However, warm weather and outdoor environments bring distinct obstacles for hearing aid users. To be certain your devices continue to working flawlessly through the season, it’s important to understand how to care for them properly during summer.
Common summer obstacles for hearing aid users
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 a few common problems you may encounter during the summer months:
Humidity and moisture
Sweat, rain, and water activities increase moisture exposure for hearing aids. High humidity levels can seep into delicate electronic components, potentially causing malfunctions or corrosion. Even modest amounts of moisture within your devices can impact sound quality or damage them permanently.
Outdoor elements and wind
Strong 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 outdoor pursuits including gardening, visiting the beach, or playing sports might subject your hearing aids to dust and debris that can affect how well they work.
Sweltering temperatures and UV rays
Leaving hearing aids in direct sunlight or hot environments, such as a car dashboard, can cause overheating, battery drain, or warping of plastic components. Intense heat speeds up wear and tear and reduces the lifespan of devices.
Tips to protect your hearing aids all summer long
By embracing a handful of useful habits, you can ensure that your hearing aids remain secure, moisture-free, and working efficiently throughout the summer, regardless of your activities.
1. Shield your hearing aids from water
- Take them out Before Swimming or Showering: Always take out your hearing aids before swimming, showering, or any water exposure. To prevent water from getting into your ears, think about using swim caps or waterproof earplugs.
- Dry After Exposure: Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe your devices if they get wet. Never utilize heat sources like hair dryers to dry them.
- Air Out Overnight: Open the battery compartments and store hearing aids in a drying container or dehumidifier at night to prevent moisture accumulation.
2. Control perspiration during exercise
- Consider wearing sweatbands or headbands to soak up excess sweat and shield your ears and hearing devices while exercising or doing work outside.
- Keep Ears Clean and Dry: Routinely dry your ears thoroughly before reinserting hearing aids to avoid moisture transfer.
3. Ensure a hygienic environment
- Regular Cleaning Routine: Clean your hearing aids daily with disinfectant wipes designed for electronics or hearing devices to decrease bacteria growth caused by heat and sweat.
- Eliminate 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.
- Don’t forget to keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry location when they are not being used. Refrain from leaving them exposed to sunlight or high temperatures.
4. Keep an eye on device function and seek professional help
If you detect 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 reach out to your hearing specialist without delay. They can perform required maintenance or repairs to keep your hearing aids functioning smoothly.
Take pleasure in a worry-free summer with well-cared-for hearing aids
Summer is a time for forging long lasting experiences, not for worrying about your hearing devices. With attentive care and a few simple 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.
For professional guidance on protecting your hearing aids or to arrange a thorough check-up, book a consultation with a specialist at your earliest convenience. Enjoy your summer to the fullest, knowing your hearing aids are ready for any adventure.