Summer is a season full of adventure, outdoor fun, and unforgettable moments. Your hearing aids are essential for staying connected as you take part in activities like lounging by the pool, going to summer music events, exploring hiking paths, or hosting backyard get-togethers. However, warm weather and outside environments bring distinct challenges for hearing aid users. Guaranteeing your devices operate properly throughout the warmer months requires a solid understanding of proper maintenance and upkeep techniques especially adapted for the summer season.
Summer challenges faced by people with hearing aids
Every season introduces its own obstacles for hearing aid wearers, and summer’s warm, frequently humid conditions can put your devices at risk. Here are some typical problems you might experience during the summer months:
Humidity and moisture
Exposure to moisture from activities featuring water, rain, or excessive sweating can present a threat to hearing aids. Excessive moisture levels have the ability to infiltrate delicate electronic components, which may result in operational problems or rusting. Exposure to even minimal humidity within your devices can compromise audio performance or lead to permanent damage.
Wind and outside elements
Strong breezes aren’t simply an aggravation, they can dislodge hearing aids from your ears or introduce dust, sand, and debris into sensitive parts. Engaging in outside pursuits including gardening, visiting the beach, or playing sports might expose your hearing aids to dust and debris that can impact how well they work.
Sweltering temperatures and UV rays
Exposing hearing aids to direct sunlight or high temperatures, like keeping them on a car dashboard, can lead to overheating, decreased battery life, or melting of plastic parts. Extreme heat speeds up deterioration and decreases the longevity of devices.
Tips to protect your hearing aids all summer long
By embracing a handful of helpful routines, you can ensure that your hearing aids stay secure, moisture-free, and functioning optimally throughout the summer, regardless of your activities.
1. Protect your hearing aids against water
- Remove Before Swimming or Showering: Always take out your hearing aids before swimming, showering, or any water exposure. To stop 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 up the battery compartments and keep hearing aids in a drying container or dehumidifier overnight to prevent moisture buildup.
2. Control perspiration during exercise
- Consider wearing sweatbands or headbands to absorb extra sweat and shield your ears and hearing devices while exercising or doing work outside.
- Avoid 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: Wipe your hearing aids every day with disinfectant wipes made for electronics or hearing devices to decrease bacteria growth caused by heat and sweat.
- Regularly Check and Clean Your Devices: It’s important to periodically examine your devices for any accumulation of debris, such as dust, dirt, or earwax, and take the required steps to remove it. Professional cleanings by your hearing specialist every few months can prevent long-term damage.
- Remember to put your hearing aids in a cool, dry area when they are not being used. Refrain from leaving them exposed to sunlight or hot temperatures.
4. Keep an eye on device operation and consult a professional for assistance
If you detect changes in how well you hear, any noises coming from your hearing device, or how long the battery lasts in the hotter season, make sure to reach out to your hearing specialist without delay. They are able to conduct 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 a time for creating long lasting experiences, not for worrying about your hearing devices. By being mindful and taking basic steps to protect your devices, you can ensure they can endure 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 protect your hearing aids or need professional maintenance, make an appointment today. Enjoy your summer to the fullest, with confidence that your hearing aids are ready for any adventure.