The summer months offer a wealth of stimulating experiences, thrilling outdoor adventures, and unforgettable experiences that create lifelong memories. Whether you’re hanging out by the pool, going to summer concerts, hiking trails, or simply enjoying backyard cookouts, your hearing aids play a vital part in keeping you connected. But, warm weather and outside environments bring distinct challenges for hearing aid users. To be certain your devices continue to working perfectly through the season, it’s important to recognize how to care for them properly during summer.
Summer challenges faced by people with hearing aids
The changing seasons can pose unique difficulties for individuals who wear hearing aids, with the hot and humid weather of summer being particularly harmful to the proper functioning of these devices. Here are a few typical issues you may encounter during the summer months:
Moisture and humidity
Sweat, rain, and water activities raise moisture exposure for hearing aids. High humidity levels can seep into delicate electronic components, potentially creating malfunctions or oxidation. Even small amounts of moisture inside your devices can affect sound quality or damage them permanently.
Outdoor elements and wind
Strong breezes aren’t simply an aggravation, they can dislodge hearing aids from your ears or introduce dust, dirt, and debris into delicate parts. Participating in outdoor pursuits including gardening, visiting the beach, or playing sports might expose your hearing aids to dust and debris that can impact 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 result in overheating, decreased battery life, or melting of plastic parts. Excessive heat speeds up wear and tear and reduces device lifespan.
Summer tips for protecting your hearing aids
By adopting a handful of useful routines, you can ensure that your hearing aids remain secure, moisture-free, and working optimally throughout the summer, no matter what your activities.
1. Protect your hearing aids against 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, consider using swim caps or waterproof earplugs.
- After being exposed to moisture, make sure to gently dry your devices using a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid using heat-producing devices such as hair dryers for drying purposes.
- Air Out Overnight: Open up the battery compartments and store hearing aids in a drying container or dehumidifier at night to prevent moisture buildup.
2. Control sweating during exercise
- Use Sweatbands or Headbands: These absorb excess sweat and safeguard both your ears and hearing aids during exercise or doing outside chores.
- Prevent Moisture Accumulation: To keep your hearing aids working properly, make sure to dry your ears completely after showering or bathing before putting them back in.
3. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene
- Frequent 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.
- Remove Debris: Examine your devices frequently for dust, dirt, or earwax buildup and clean accordingly. Expert cleanings by your hearing specialist every few months can avoid long-term damage.
- Appropriate Storage: Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when not in use. Make sure to keep them away from sunlight and high temperatures.
4. Monitor 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 hotter season, make sure to contact your hearing specialist without hesitation. They are able to perform vital maintenance or repairs in order to ensure that your hearing aids work effectively.
Enjoy a stress-free summer with well-cared-for hearing aids
Summer is a time for creating lasting experiences, not for worrying about your hearing devices. By being mindful and taking simple 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 upkeep, make an appointment today. Make the most of your summer with the confidence that your hearing aids can keep up with every thrilling experience.