The summer months provide a wide range of stimulating experiences, thrilling outdoor adventures, and unforgettable experiences that make lifelong memories. Whether you’re spending time by the pool, going to summer concerts, hiking trails, or simply enjoying backyard cookouts, your hearing aids play a crucial part in keeping you connected. Warmer temperatures and outside settings can pose distinct complications for individuals who depend on hearing aids. Ensuring your devices function smoothly throughout the warmer months requires a solid grasp of appropriate maintenance and upkeep techniques especially adapted for the summer season.
Common summer obstacles for hearing aid users
The changing seasons can pose unique difficulties for those who wear hearing aids, with the hot and humid weather of summer being particularly harmful to the proper functioning of these devices. Here are some typical issues you might experience during the summer months:
Humidity and moisture
Exposure to moisture from activities featuring water, rain, or excessive sweating can pose a threat to hearing aids. High humidity levels can permeate into fragile electronic components, potentially creating malfunctions or oxidation. Even modest amounts of moisture within your devices can affect sound quality or damage them permanently.
Wind and outdoor elements
Strong breezes aren’t just an annoyance, they can displace hearing aids from your ears or present dust, sand, and debris into delicate parts. Engaging in outdoor pursuits such as gardening, visiting the beach, or playing sports may subject your hearing aids to dirt and debris that can affect how well they work.
Heat and sun exposure
Keeping hearing aids in direct sunlight or hot environments, such as a car dashboard, can cause overheating, battery drainage, or melting of plastic components. Intense heat accelerates deterioration and decreases the lifespan of devices.
Summer tips for protecting your hearing aids
By embracing a handful of helpful habits, 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
- Take them out Before Swimming or Showering: Always remove your hearing aids before swimming, bathing, or any water exposure. To stop water from entering into your ears, consider using swim caps or waterproof earplugs.
- After being exposed to moisture, be certain to gently dry your devices using a soft microfiber cloth. 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 at night to remove moisture buildup.
2. Deal with sweat and physical activity
- Use Sweatbands or Headbands: These soak up excess sweat and protect both your ears and hearing aids while exercising or doing outdoor chores.
- Keep Ears Clean and Dry: Regularly dry your ears completely before reinserting hearing aids to avoid moisture transfer.
3. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene
- Daily Maintenance: To avoid bacterial buildup triggered by moisture and body heat, apply a daily cleaning routine of gently wiping your hearing aids with specialized disinfectant wipes made for electronic devices and hearing instruments.
- Remove Debris: Examine your devices frequently for dust, dirt, or earwax accumulation and clean accordingly. 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. Be sure to keep them away from sunlight and high temperatures.
4. Keep an eye on device operation and speak with a professional for assistance
If you notice any changes in sound quality, feedback, or battery drainage during summer months, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your hearing care professional. They can perform necessary maintenance or repairs to keep your hearing aids working efficiently.
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 simple steps to protect 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 unsure about the best way to protect your hearing aids or need professional upkeep, make an appointment today. Enjoy your summer to the fullest, with confidence that your hearing aids are ready for any adventure.