Summer is a season full of adventure, outdoor fun, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re spending time by the pool, going to summer concerts, hiking trails, or just enjoying backyard barbecues, your hearing aids play a crucial role in keeping you connected. Warmer temperatures and outdoor settings can pose distinct difficulties for people who depend on hearing aids. To be certain your devices keep working flawlessly through the season, it’s important to recognize how to care for them properly during summer.
Summer challenges encountered by people who use hearing aids
The changing seasons can present distinct challenges for individuals who wear hearing aids, with the hot and humid weather of summer being especially hazardous to the effective functioning of these devices. Here are some typical issues you might experience during the summer months:
Humidity and moisture
Sweat, rain, and water activities raise moisture exposure for hearing aids. High humidity levels can permeate into delicate electronic components, potentially creating malfunctions or oxidation. Exposure to even minor humidity inside your devices can jeopardize audio effectiveness or cause irreversible damage.
Outdoor elements and wind
Strong 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 inconvenience. Outdoor activities like gardening, beach trips, or sports can expose your hearing aids to dust particles that hinder their performance.
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, reduced battery life, or distortion of plastic parts. Extreme heat speeds up wear and tear and shortens device lifespan.
Tips to protect your hearing aids all summer long
By adopting a handful of helpful routines, you can ensure that your hearing aids stay secure, moisture-free, and working efficiently throughout the summer, no matter what your activities.
1. Protect your hearing aids against water
- Take them out Before Swimming or Showering: Always remove your hearing aids before swimming, showering, 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 gently wipe your devices if they get wet. 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 overnight to prevent moisture buildup.
2. Manage sweat and physical activity
- Wear Sweatbands or Headbands: These absorb excess sweat and protect both your ears and hearing aids during exercise or doing outdoor chores.
- Avoid Moisture Accumulation: To keep your hearing aids working properly, be certain to dry your ears completely after showering or bathing before putting them back in.
3. Ensure a hygienic environment
- Regular Maintenance: To prevent bacterial accumulation caused by moisture and body heat, apply a day-to-day cleaning habit of gently wiping your hearing aids with specialized disinfectant wipes suitable for electronic devices and hearing instruments.
- Routinely Check and Clean Your Devices: It’s essential to occasionally examine your devices for any build-up of debris, such as dust, dirt, or earwax, and take the required steps to eliminate it. Professional cleanings by your hearing specialist every few months can prevent long-term damage.
- Proper Storage: Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when not in use. Make sure to keep them away from sunlight and high temperatures.
4. Keep an eye on device operation and consult a professional for assistance
If you detect changes in how well you hear, any sounds coming from your hearing aids, or how long the battery lasts in the hotter season, be certain to reach out to your hearing specialist without delay. They can perform necessary upkeep or repairs to keep your hearing aids functioning smoothly.
Enjoy a stress-free summer with well-cared-for hearing aids
Summer is a time for forging long 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 withstand 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 safeguard 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.