Summer is a season filled with adventure, outdoor fun, and memorable moments. Whether you’re hanging out by the pool, going to summer concerts, hiking trails, or just enjoying backyard cookouts, your hearing aids play a vital part in keeping you connected. Warmer temperatures and outside settings can pose distinct complications for people who depend on hearing aids. Ensuring your devices function smoothly throughout the warmer months requires a strong understanding of appropriate maintenance and upkeep techniques especially tailored for the summer season.
Summer difficulties faced by people with hearing aids
The changing seasons can present distinct challenges for those who wear hearing aids, with the hot and humid weather of summer being particularly hazardous to the proper functioning of these devices. Typical summer problems to look out for:
Humidity and moisture
Sweat, rain, and water activities increase moisture exposure for hearing aids. High humidity levels can permeate into fragile electronic components, potentially causing malfunctions or oxidation. Even modest amounts of moisture within your devices can affect sound quality or damage them permanently.
Outside elements and wind
Strong breezes aren’t simply an aggravation, they can displace hearing aids from your ears or introduce dust, dirt, and debris into sensitive parts. Participating in outdoor 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.
Sweltering temperatures and UV rays
Exposing hearing aids to direct sunlight or high temperatures, like leaving them on a car dashboard, can lead to overheating, reduced battery life, or melting of plastic parts. Extreme heat accelerates wear and tear and reduces device longevity.
Summer tips for safeguarding your hearing aids
By embracing a handful of useful routines, you can ensure that your hearing aids stay secure, moisture-free, and functioning efficiently throughout the summer, regardless of your activities.
1. Shield your hearing aids from water
- Remove Before Swimming or Showering: Always remove your hearing aids before swimming, bathing, or any water exposure. To stop water from getting into your ears, think about using swim caps or waterproof earplugs.
- Dry After Exposure: Use a soft microfiber cloth to carefully wipe your devices if they get wet. Steer clear of using heat-producing devices such as hair dryers for drying purposes.
- To decrease 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 dry out thoroughly.
2. Control sweating during exercise
- Consider using sweatbands or headbands to absorb extra sweat and shield your ears and hearing devices while working out or doing work outside.
- Avoid Moisture Accumulation: 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
- Regular Cleaning Routine: Clean your hearing aids daily with disinfectant wipes designed for electronics or hearing devices to decrease bacteria growth caused by heat and sweat.
- Routinely Check and Clean Your Devices: It’s essential to periodically examine your devices for any accumulation of debris, such as dust, dirt, or earwax, and take the necessary steps to remove 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 place when not in use. Be sure to keep them away from sunlight and high temperatures.
4. Keep an eye on device performance and speak with a professional for assistance
If you experience changes in how well you hear, any noises coming from your hearing device, or how long the battery lasts in the hotter season, make sure to contact your hearing specialist without delay. They are able to perform vital upkeep or repairs in order to ensure that your hearing aids function properly.
Take pleasure in a worry-free summer with well-cared-for hearing aids
Summer is a time for forging lasting experiences, not for stressing about your hearing devices. With mindful care and a few simple precautions, your devices can handle the heat, moisture, and outdoor elements, letting you experience every conversation, bird song, and splash with crystal-clear sound.
If you’re unsure about the best way to protect your hearing aids or need professional upkeep, schedule 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.