Summer is a season full of adventure, outdoor fun, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re hanging out by the pool, going to summer concerts, hiking trails, or simply enjoying backyard barbecues, your hearing aids play a vital role in keeping you connected. Warmer temperatures and outdoor settings can pose various complications for people who rely on hearing aids. Ensuring your devices function properly throughout the warmer months requires a solid grasp of appropriate maintenance and upkeep techniques especially adapted for the summer season.
Summer challenges faced by individuals with hearing aids
Each season introduces its own challenges for hearing aid wearers, and summer’s warm, often humid conditions can put your devices at risk. Here are some typical issues you may encounter during the summer months:
Humidity and moisture
Exposure to moisture from activities featuring water, rain, or excessive sweating can present a risk to hearing aids. Extreme moisture levels have the ability to infiltrate delicate electronic parts, which might lead to operational issues or rusting. Even modest amounts of moisture inside your devices can impact sound quality or damage them permanently.
Wind and outside elements
Strong winds can cause hearing aids to become loose in your ears or introduce particles like dust, sand, and debris into fragile areas, presenting more than just a minor aggravation. Engaging in outside pursuits including gardening, visiting the beach, or playing sports may expose your hearing aids to dirt and debris that can affect how well they work.
Sweltering temperatures and UV rays
Leaving hearing aids in direct sunlight or hot environments, including a car dashboard, can cause overheating, battery drainage, or melting of plastic components. Excessive heat speeds up wear and tear and reduces device longevity.
Summer guidelines for safeguarding your hearing aids
With a few sensible habits, you can keep your hearing aids secure, dry, and working at their best, regardless of your summer plans are.
1. Shield your hearing aids from water
- Pre-Water Precautions: It’s important to take out your hearing aids before participating in any aquatic activities, including swimming or showering, to prevent damage from water exposure. Use swim caps or waterproof earplugs to keep your ear canals dry.
- Dry After Exposure: Use a soft microfiber cloth to carefully wipe your devices if they get wet. Never use heat sources like hair dryers to dry them.
- To reduce moisture accumulation, leave the battery compartments open and place the hearing aids in a drying case or dehumidifying device for several hours or overnight, allowing them to dry out completely.
2. Control perspiration during exercise
- Consider using sweatbands or headbands to absorb extra sweat and shield your ears and hearing devices while working out or doing tasks outside.
- Keep Ears Clean and Dry: Routinely dry your ears thoroughly before reinserting hearing aids to avoid moisture transfer.
3. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene
- Regular Cleaning Routine: Wipe your hearing aids daily with disinfectant wipes designed for electronics or hearing devices to reduce bacteria growth due to heat and sweat.
- Remove Debris: Examine your devices often for dust, dirt, or earwax buildup and clean accordingly. Professional cleanings by your hearing specialist every few months can avoid long-term damage.
- Don’t forget to keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry location when they are not being used. Refrain from leaving them exposed to sunlight or hot temperatures.
4. Keep an eye on device function and seek professional help
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 perform necessary maintenance or repairs to keep your hearing aids functioning efficiently.
Have a hassle-free summer with well-maintained hearing aids
Summer is meant for creating memories, not for worrying about your hearing aids. By being attentive and taking simple steps to safeguard your devices, you can ensure they can endure 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 unsure about the best way to safeguard 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.