The summer months offer a wealth of stimulating experiences, exhilarating outdoor adventures, and wonderful experiences that create lifelong memories. Whether you’re hanging out by the pool, attending summer concerts, hiking trails, or simply enjoying backyard barbecues, your hearing aids play a crucial part in keeping you connected. Warmer temperatures and outdoor settings can pose distinct complications for people who depend on hearing aids. To make sure your devices keep working flawlessly through the season, it’s important to recognize how to take care of them properly during summer.
Summer difficulties encountered by people who use hearing aids
The changing seasons can pose distinct challenges for individuals who wear hearing aids, with the hot and humid weather of summer being especially harmful to the effective functioning of these devices. Here are a few typical issues you may experience during the summer months:
Humidity and moisture
Sweat, rain, and water activities raise moisture exposure for hearing aids. High humidity levels can seep into delicate electronic components, potentially creating malfunctions or corrosion. Exposure to even minimal humidity within your devices can jeopardize audio performance or cause permanent damage.
Outside elements and wind
Strong winds can cause hearing aids to become loose in your ears or bring particles like dust, sand, and debris into fragile areas, presenting more than just a slight aggravation. Engaging in outdoor pursuits such as gardening, visiting the beach, or playing sports may subject your hearing aids to dirt and debris that can impact how well they work.
Sweltering temperatures and UV rays
Keeping hearing aids in direct sunlight or hot environments, including a car dashboard, can cause overheating, battery drain, or warping of plastic components. Extreme heat speeds up wear and tear and reduces the longevity of devices.
Summer guidelines for protecting your hearing aids
With a few practical practices, you can keep your hearing aids safe, dry, and working at their best, regardless of your summer plans are.
1. Safeguard your hearing aids from water
- Pre-Water Precautions: It’s essential to take out your hearing aids before participating in any aquatic activities, including swimming or showering, to prevent damage from water exposure. Utilize 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 such as hair dryers for drying purposes.
- To reduce moisture accumulation, leave the battery door open and store the hearing aids in a drying case or dehumidifying device for several hours or overnight, allowing them to dry out thoroughly.
2. Control perspiration during exercise
- Consider wearing sweatbands or headbands to soak up excess sweat and shield your ears and hearing devices while exercising or doing work outside.
- Avoid Moisture Buildup: To keep your hearing aids functioning properly, be certain to dry your ears thoroughly after showering or bathing before putting them back in.
3. Ensure a sanitary environment
- Regular Maintenance: To prevent bacterial accumulation triggered by moisture and body heat, incorporate a day-to-day cleaning routine of gently wiping your hearing aids with specialized disinfectant wipes suitable for electronic devices and hearing instruments.
- Remove Debris: Examine your devices often for dust, dirt, or earwax accumulation and clean as necessary. Professional cleanings by your hearing specialist every few months can avoid long-term damage.
- Appropriate Storage: Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot 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 experience changes in how well you hear, any noises coming from your hearing device, or how long the battery lasts in the hotter season, be certain to reach out to your hearing specialist without hesitation. They can perform necessary upkeep or repairs to keep your hearing aids working efficiently.
Have a hassle-free summer with well-maintained hearing aids
Summer is a time for creating lasting experiences, not for stressing about your hearing devices. With attentive care and a few simple precautions, your devices can handle the heat, moisture, and outdoor elements, letting you experience every conversation, bird song, and splash with crystal-clear sound.
For expert guidance on protecting your hearing aids or to arrange 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.
