Summer is a season filled with adventure, outdoor fun, and unforgettable times. Your hearing aids are essential for staying connected as you take part in activities like chilling by the pool, going to summer music events, exploring hiking paths, or hosting backyard cookouts. However, warm weather and outside environments bring distinct obstacles for hearing aid users. Guaranteeing your devices operate properly throughout the warmer months requires a strong grasp of proper maintenance and upkeep techniques especially adapted for the summer season.
Common summer challenges for hearing aid users
The changing seasons can present unique challenges for those who wear hearing aids, with the hot and humid weather of summer being especially hazardous to the effective functioning of these devices. Here are a few common problems you may experience during the summer months:
Moisture and humidity
Sweat, rain, and water activities increase moisture exposure for hearing aids. Extreme moisture levels have the ability to infiltrate sensitive electronic components, which may result in operational issues or rusting. Exposure to even minor humidity within your devices can compromise audio performance or cause permanent damage.
Wind and outdoor elements
Strong breezes aren’t just an aggravation, they can displace hearing aids from your ears or present dust, dirt, and debris into sensitive parts. Outside activities like gardening, beach outings, or sports can expose your hearing aids to dirt particles that hinder their performance.
Heat and sun exposure
Exposing hearing aids to direct sunlight or high temperatures, like keeping them on a car dashboard, can result in overheating, reduced battery life, or distortion of plastic parts. Intense heat speeds up wear and tear and decreases the longevity of devices.
Tips to protect your hearing aids all summer long
With a few sensible practices, you can keep your hearing aids safe, dry, and working at their best, regardless of your summer plans are.
1. Protect your hearing aids against water
- Remove Before Swimming or Showering: Always remove 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 like hair dryers for drying purposes.
- Air Out Overnight: Open up the battery compartments and keep hearing aids in a drying container or dehumidifier at night to prevent moisture buildup.
2. Deal with sweat and physical activity
- Consider using sweatbands or headbands to soak up excess 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. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene
- Daily Maintenance: To prevent bacterial buildup caused by moisture and body heat, apply a daily cleaning habit of gently wiping your hearing aids with specialized disinfectant wipes made for electronic devices and hearing instruments.
- Routinely Check and Clean Your Devices: It’s essential to periodically examine your devices for any build-up of debris, including dust, dirt, or earwax, and take the required steps to remove it. Expert cleanings by your hearing specialist every few months can prevent long-term damage.
- Appropriate Storage: Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid leaving them exposed to sunlight or high temperatures.
4. Keep an eye on device function and seek professional help
If you detect any changes in sound quality, feedback, or battery life during summer months, don’t wait to get in touch with your hearing care professional. They are able to perform vital upkeep or repairs in order to ensure that your hearing aids work properly.
Have a hassle-free summer with well-maintained hearing aids
Summer is meant for making memories, not for worrying about your hearing aids. By being mindful and taking basic steps to safeguard your devices, you can ensure they can withstand hot temperatures, moisture, and outdoor conditions. This will allow you to enjoy clear sound while experiencing discussions, bird songs, and water splashes.
If you’re unsure about the best way to safeguard your hearing aids or need professional maintenance, make an appointment today. Make the most of your summer with the peace of mind that your hearing aids can keep up with every exciting experience.