Summer is a season full of adventure, outdoor fun, and unforgettable times. Whether you’re spending time by the pool, attending summer concerts, hiking trails, or just enjoying backyard barbecues, your hearing aids play a vital part in keeping you connected. Warmer temperatures and outside settings can pose various complications for people who depend on hearing aids. Guaranteeing your devices operate properly throughout the warmer months requires a solid grasp of appropriate maintenance and upkeep techniques specifically tailored for the summer season.
Common summer obstacles for hearing aid users
Every season introduces its own obstacles for hearing aid wearers, and summer’s warm, frequently humid conditions can put your devices in jeopardy. Here are some common problems you might encounter during the summer months:
Humidity and moisture
Sweat, rain, and water activities increase moisture exposure for hearing aids. High humidity levels can seep into fragile electronic components, potentially causing malfunctions or oxidation. Even small amounts of moisture inside your devices can impact sound quality or damage them permanently.
Outside elements and wind
Strong breezes aren’t simply an annoyance, they can displace hearing aids from your ears or introduce dust, sand, and debris into delicate parts. Engaging in outdoor pursuits such as gardening, visiting the beach, or playing sports may expose your hearing aids to dirt and debris that can impact how well they function.
Sweltering temperatures and UV rays
Exposing hearing aids to direct sunlight or high temperatures, like leaving them on a car dashboard, can result in overheating, decreased battery life, or distortion of plastic parts. Intense heat speeds up deterioration and decreases the lifespan of devices.
Tips to safeguard your hearing aids all summer long
With a few practical habits, you can keep your hearing aids safe, dry, and functioning at their best, no matter what your summer plans are.
1. Safeguard your hearing aids from water
- Pre-Water Precautions: It’s essential to remove your hearing aids before participating in any aquatic activities, such as swimming or showering, to avoid damage from water exposure. To prevent water from getting 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. Avoid using heat-producing devices such as hair dryers for drying purposes.
- To reduce moisture build-up, 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 air out completely.
2. Deal with sweat and physical activity
- Think about wearing sweatbands or headbands to absorb extra sweat and shield your ears and hearing devices while working out or doing work outside.
- Prevent 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. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene
- Daily Maintenance: To avoid bacterial buildup caused 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 important to periodically examine your devices for any accumulation of debris, including dust, dirt, or earwax, and take the necessary measures to remove it. Professional cleanings by your hearing specialist every few months can avoid long-term damage.
- Remember to keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry location when they are not being used. Avoid leaving them exposed to sunlight or high temperatures.
4. Keep an eye on device performance and speak with a professional for assistance
If you experience differences in how well you hear, any sounds 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 delay. They are able to perform vital upkeep or repairs in order to ensure that your hearing aids work effectively.
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 mindful care and a few easy preventative measures, your devices can take on the heat, moisture, and outdoor elements, letting you experience every conversation, bird song, and splash with crystal-clear sound.
If you’re not sure about the best way to protect your hearing aids or need professional upkeep, make an appointment today. Make the most of your summer with the peace of mind that your hearing aids can keep up with every thrilling experience.
