Summer is a season full of adventure, outdoor fun, and memorable moments. Whether you’re spending time by the pool, attending summer concerts, hiking trails, or just enjoying backyard cookouts, your hearing aids play a vital role in keeping you connected. Warmer temperatures and outdoor settings can pose distinct complications for individuals who rely on hearing aids. Guaranteeing your devices operate smoothly throughout the warmer months requires a strong grasp of proper maintenance and upkeep techniques specifically adapted for the summer season.
Common summer obstacles for hearing aid users
Every season presents its own challenges for hearing aid users, and summer’s warm, frequently humid conditions can put your devices in jeopardy. Here are a few typical issues you might experience during the summer months:
Moisture and humidity
Exposure to moisture from activities featuring water, rain, or excessive sweating can present a risk to hearing aids. High humidity levels can permeate into fragile electronic components, potentially creating malfunctions or corrosion. Even small amounts of moisture within your devices can impact sound quality or damage them permanently.
Outside elements and wind
Strong breezes aren’t simply an aggravation, they can displace hearing aids from your ears or present dust, sand, and debris into delicate parts. Participating in outdoor pursuits including gardening, visiting the beach, or playing sports may subject your hearing aids to dust and debris that can affect 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 lead to overheating, decreased battery life, or melting of plastic parts. Excessive heat accelerates wear and tear and reduces device longevity.
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, no matter what your summer plans are.
1. Protect your hearing aids against water
- Pre-Water Precautions: It’s important to take out your hearing aids prior to engaging in any aquatic activities, such as 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 gently wipe your devices if they get wet. Steer clear of using heat-producing devices like hair dryers for drying purposes.
- Air Out Overnight: Open the battery compartments and keep hearing aids in a drying container or dehumidifier overnight to prevent moisture buildup.
2. Control perspiration during exercise
- Wear Sweatbands or Headbands: These soak up excess sweat and protect both your ears and hearing aids during exercise or doing outside chores.
- Keep Ears Clean and Dry: Routinely dry your ears thoroughly before reinserting hearing aids to prevent moisture transfer.
3. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene
- Regular Cleaning Routine: Wipe your hearing aids daily with disinfectant wipes made for electronics or hearing devices to reduce bacteria growth due to heat and sweat.
- Remove Debris: Examine your devices often for dust, dirt, or earwax accumulation and clean accordingly. Routine cleanings performed by your hearing professional every couple of months can help avoid long-term harm.
- Appropriate Storage: Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when not in use. Be sure to keep them away from sunlight and high temperatures.
4. Keep an eye on device performance and consult a professional for help
If you notice any changes in sound quality, feedback, or battery life during summer months, don’t wait to consult your hearing care professional. They can carry out necessary upkeep or repairs to keep your hearing aids working smoothly.
Have a stress-free summer with well-maintained hearing aids
Summer is meant for making memories, not for worrying about your hearing aids. With mindful care and a few simple preventative measures, your devices can handle the heat, moisture, and outdoor elements, letting you experience 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 maintenance, schedule 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.