The summer months offer a wide range of stimulating experiences, thrilling outdoor adventures, and unforgettable experiences that create lifelong memories. Whether you’re spending time by the pool, attending summer concerts, hiking trails, or simply enjoying backyard cookouts, your hearing aids play a vital role in keeping you connected. But, warm weather and outdoor environments bring unique obstacles for hearing aid users. Guaranteeing your devices function properly throughout the warmer months requires a strong understanding of appropriate maintenance and upkeep techniques especially adapted for the summer season.
Summer challenges encountered by individuals with hearing aids
The changing seasons can present distinct challenges for people who wear hearing aids, with the hot and humid weather of summer being particularly hazardous to the effective functioning of these devices. Typical summer problems to watch out for:
Moisture and humidity
Sweat, rain, and water activities raise moisture exposure for hearing aids. Excessive moisture levels have the ability to penetrate sensitive electronic components, which might lead to operational issues or rusting. Exposure to even minor humidity inside your devices can jeopardize audio effectiveness or cause irreversible damage.
Outside elements and wind
Powerful winds can cause hearing aids to become loose in your ears or bring particles like dust, sand, and debris into delicate areas, presenting more than just a slight aggravation. Engaging in outside 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.
Heat and sun exposure
Exposing hearing aids to direct sunlight or high temperatures, like leaving them on a car dashboard, can result in overheating, reduced battery life, or distortion of plastic parts. Extreme heat speeds up deterioration and decreases the lifespan of devices.
Summer guidelines for safeguarding your hearing aids
With a few sensible habits, you can keep your hearing aids safe, dry, and functioning at their best, regardless of your summer plans are.
1. Protect your hearing aids against water
- Remove Before Swimming or Showering: Always remove your hearing aids before swimming, bathing, or any water exposure. Utilize swim caps or waterproof earplugs to keep your ear canals dry.
- Dry After Exposure: Use a soft microfiber cloth to carefully wipe your devices if they get wet. Avoid using heat-producing devices like hair dryers for drying purposes.
- To reduce moisture build-up, leave the battery door open and place the hearing aids in a drying case or dehumidifying device for several hours or overnight, allowing them to dry out thoroughly.
2. Manage sweat and physical activity
- Use Sweatbands or Headbands: These absorb excess sweat and safeguard both your ears and hearing aids during exercise or doing outdoor chores.
- Keep Ears Clean and Dry: Routinely dry your ears thoroughly before reinserting hearing aids to avoid moisture transfer.
3. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene
- Regular Maintenance: To avoid bacterial buildup triggered by moisture and body heat, incorporate a day-to-day cleaning habit 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 essential to periodically examine your devices for any accumulation of debris, including dust, dirt, or earwax, and take the required steps to eliminate it. Expert cleanings by your hearing specialist every few months can avoid long-term damage.
- Don’t forget to put your hearing aids in a cool, dry location when they are not being used. Refrain from leaving them exposed to sunlight or high temperatures.
4. Keep an eye on device performance and speak with a professional for help
If you detect any changes in sound quality, feedback, or battery life during summer months, don’t wait to get in touch with your hearing care professional. They can perform necessary upkeep or repairs to keep your hearing aids working smoothly.
Take pleasure in a worry-free summer with well-cared-for hearing aids
Summer is a time for forging lasting experiences, not for worrying about your hearing devices. By being mindful and taking simple 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 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.