The summer months provide a wide range of exciting experiences, exhilarating outdoor adventures, and wonderful experiences that make lifelong memories. Your hearing aids are imperative for staying connected as you engage in activities like chilling by the pool, going to summer music events, exploring hiking paths, or hosting backyard get-togethers. Warmer temperatures and outdoor settings can present distinct complications for individuals who depend on hearing aids. Ensuring your devices function properly throughout the warmer months requires a solid grasp of proper maintenance and upkeep techniques specifically tailored for the summer season.
Summer difficulties faced by people who use hearing aids
The changing seasons can pose 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. Typical summer problems to watch out for:
Humidity and moisture
Exposure to moisture from activities featuring water, rain, or excessive sweating can pose a risk to hearing aids. High humidity levels can permeate into delicate electronic components, potentially causing malfunctions or corrosion. Exposure to even minimal humidity within your devices can compromise audio performance or cause permanent damage.
Wind and outside elements
Strong breezes aren’t simply an annoyance, they can dislodge hearing aids from your ears or present dust, dirt, and debris into sensitive parts. Engaging in outdoor pursuits such as gardening, visiting the beach, or playing sports might subject your hearing aids to dirt 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 drainage, or melting of plastic components. Extreme heat speeds up deterioration and decreases the lifespan of devices.
Tips to protect your hearing aids all summer long
By embracing a handful of useful habits, you can ensure that your hearing aids stay secure, moisture-free, and functioning efficiently throughout the summer, regardless of your activities.
1. Safeguard your hearing aids from water
- Pre-Water Precautions: It’s important to remove your hearing aids before participating in any aquatic activities, such as swimming or showering, to avoid 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. Avoid using heat-producing devices such as hair dryers for drying purposes.
- Air Out Overnight: Open the battery compartments and keep hearing aids in a drying container or dehumidifier overnight to remove moisture buildup.
2. Control sweating 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 completely before reinserting hearing aids to prevent moisture transfer.
3. Ensure a hygienic environment
- Regular Cleaning Routine: Clean your hearing aids every day with disinfectant wipes designed for electronics or hearing devices to reduce bacteria growth caused by heat and sweat.
- Regularly Check and Clean Your Devices: It’s important to occasionally examine your devices for any build-up of debris, such as dust, dirt, or earwax, and take the necessary measures to remove it. Routine cleanings carried out by your hearing professional every couple of months can help prevent long-term damage.
- Don’t forget to put your hearing aids in a cool, dry area when they are not being used. Avoid leaving them exposed to sunlight or hot temperatures.
4. Keep an eye on device function and seek professional help
If you notice any changes in sound quality, feedback, or battery drainage during summer months, don’t wait to get in touch with your hearing care professional. They can carry out required maintenance or repairs to keep your hearing aids working smoothly.
Enjoy a worry-free summer with well-cared-for hearing aids
Summer is meant for creating memories, not for stressing about your hearing aids. With attentive care and a few simple preventative measures, your devices can handle the heat, moisture, and outdoor elements, letting you enjoy every conversation, bird song, and splash with crystal-clear sound.
For expert guidance on protecting your hearing aids or to set up a thorough check-up, book a consultation with a specialist at your earliest convenience. Enjoy your summer to the fullest, knowing your hearing aids are ready for any adventure.
