The summer months provide a wide range of stimulating experiences, thrilling outdoor activities, and unforgettable experiences that make lifelong memories. Your hearing aids are imperative for remaining connected as you take part in activities like chilling by the pool, going to summer music events, exploring hiking paths, or hosting backyard cookouts. Warmer temperatures and outside settings can pose distinct complications for individuals who depend on hearing aids. Ensuring your devices operate smoothly throughout the warmer months requires a solid understanding of appropriate maintenance and upkeep techniques especially tailored for the summer season.
Summer challenges encountered by people with hearing aids
Each season introduces its own obstacles for hearing aid users, and summer’s warm, frequently humid conditions can put your devices at risk. Common summer issues to watch out for:
Moisture and humidity
Exposure to moisture from activities featuring water, rain, or excessive sweating can present a threat to hearing aids. Extreme moisture levels have the ability to infiltrate sensitive electronic parts, which might result in operational problems or rusting. Even small amounts of moisture inside your devices can affect sound quality or damage them permanently.
Wind and outdoor elements
Strong winds can cause hearing aids to become loose in your ears or introduce particles like dust, sand, and debris into fragile areas, presenting more than just a minor aggravation. Engaging 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 function.
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. Extreme heat accelerates wear and tear and decreases the longevity of devices.
Summer guidelines for safeguarding your hearing aids
With a few practical habits, 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
- Pre-Water Precautions: It’s important to remove your hearing aids before participating 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.
- After being exposed to moisture, make sure to gently dry your devices using a soft microfiber cloth. Steer clear of using heat-producing devices such as hair dryers for drying purposes.
- Air Out Overnight: Open up the battery compartments and keep hearing aids in a drying container or dehumidifier overnight to prevent moisture buildup.
2. Deal with sweat and physical activity
- Consider wearing sweatbands or headbands to soak up extra sweat and shield your ears and hearing devices while working out 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 Maintenance: To prevent bacterial accumulation triggered by moisture and body heat, apply a day-to-day cleaning routine of gently wiping your hearing aids with specialized disinfectant wipes made for electronic devices and hearing instruments.
- Regularly Check and Clean Your Devices: It’s important to periodically inspect your devices for any accumulation of debris, such as dust, dirt, or earwax, and take the necessary steps to remove it. Professional cleanings by your hearing specialist every few months can avoid long-term damage.
- Proper Storage: Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when not in use. Be sure to keep them away from sunlight and high temperatures.
4. Monitor device function and seek professional help
If you detect any changes in sound quality, feedback, or battery drainage during summer months, don’t wait to consult your hearing care professional. They can perform required maintenance or repairs to keep your hearing aids working smoothly.
Have a hassle-free summer with well-maintained hearing aids
Summer is meant for making memories, not for stressing 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 conversations, bird songs, and water splashes.
If you’re not sure about the best way to protect 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.
