Summer is a season filled with adventure, outdoor fun, and memorable times. Whether you’re spending time by the pool, attending summer concerts, hiking trails, or just enjoying backyard barbecues, your hearing aids play a crucial role in keeping you connected. But, warm weather and outside environments bring distinct challenges for hearing aid users. To be certain your devices keep working flawlessly through the season, it’s essential to understand how to care for them properly during summer.
Summer difficulties encountered by individuals who use hearing aids
Each season presents its own obstacles for hearing aid users, and summer’s warm, frequently humid conditions can put your devices at risk. Typical summer problems to look out for:
Moisture and humidity
Sweat, rain, and water activities raise moisture exposure for hearing aids. High humidity levels can seep into fragile electronic components, potentially creating malfunctions or oxidation. Exposure to even minor humidity inside your devices can jeopardize audio performance or lead to irreversible damage.
Outdoor elements and wind
Strong winds can cause hearing aids to become loose in your ears or introduce particles like dust, sand, and debris into fragile areas, posing more than just a minor aggravation. Participating in outside pursuits including gardening, visiting the beach, or playing sports might expose your hearing aids to dirt and debris that can affect how well they function.
Heat and sun exposure
Exposing hearing aids to direct sunlight or high temperatures, like keeping them on a car dashboard, can lead to overheating, decreased battery life, or melting of plastic parts. Extreme heat speeds up wear and tear and reduces device lifespan.
Summer guidelines for safeguarding your hearing aids
With a few practical habits, you can keep your hearing aids safe, dry, and functioning at their best, regardless of your summer plans are.
1. Safeguard your hearing aids from water
- Remove Before Swimming or Showering: Always take out your hearing aids before swimming, showering, or any water exposure. To prevent water from entering into your ears, consider using swim caps or waterproof earplugs.
- Dry After Exposure: Use a soft microfiber cloth to carefully wipe your devices if they get wet. Never utilize heat sources like hair dryers to dry them.
- To reduce moisture accumulation, leave the battery compartments open and store the hearing aids in a drying case or dehumidifying device for several hours or overnight, allowing them to dry out completely.
2. Manage 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 working properly, make sure 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 caused 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 buildup and clean as necessary. Professional cleanings by your hearing specialist every few months can avoid long-term damage.
- Proper Storage: Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when not in use. Refrain from leaving them exposed to sunlight or hot temperatures.
4. Keep an eye on device performance and speak with a professional for assistance
If you notice 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 carry out required maintenance or repairs to keep your hearing aids working smoothly.
Take pleasure in a worry-free summer with well-cared-for hearing aids
Summer is meant for creating memories, not for worrying about your hearing aids. With mindful care and a few easy precautions, your devices can take on the heat, moisture, and outdoor elements, letting you enjoy every conversation, bird song, and splash with crystal-clear sound.
For professional guidance on safeguarding your hearing aids or to set up a thorough check-up, book a consultation with a specialist at your earliest convenience. Enjoy your summer to the fullest, with confidence that your hearing aids are ready for any adventure.