The summer months provide a wide range of exciting experiences, exhilarating outdoor activities, and wonderful experiences that create lifelong memories. Your hearing aids are essential for staying connected as you take part in activities like lounging by the pool, going to summer music events, exploring hiking paths, or hosting backyard get-togethers. However, warm weather and outdoor environments bring distinct obstacles for hearing aid users. To be certain your devices keep working perfectly through the season, it’s important to understand how to care for them correctly during summer.
Summer difficulties faced by individuals who use hearing aids
Each season presents its own obstacles for hearing aid users, and summer’s warm, often humid conditions can put your devices in jeopardy. Here are a few common problems you may experience during the summer months:
Humidity and moisture
Exposure to moisture from activities featuring water, rain, or excessive sweating can present a threat to hearing aids. High humidity levels can seep into fragile electronic components, potentially causing malfunctions or oxidation. Even small amounts of moisture within your devices can impact sound quality or damage them permanently.
Outside elements and wind
Strong breezes aren’t just an aggravation, they can displace hearing aids from your ears or introduce dust, dirt, and debris into sensitive parts. Engaging in outdoor pursuits including gardening, visiting the beach, or playing sports may subject your hearing aids to dirt and debris that can impact how well they function.
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.
Tips to protect your hearing aids all summer long
With a few sensible practices, you can keep your hearing aids safe, dry, and functioning at their best, regardless of your summer plans are.
1. Protect your hearing aids against water
- Pre-Water Precautions: It’s essential to remove your hearing aids prior to participating in any aquatic activities, such as swimming or showering, to avoid damage from water exposure. To prevent water from entering 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. Never utilize heat sources like hair dryers to dry them.
- Air Out Overnight: Open up the battery compartments and store hearing aids in a drying container or dehumidifier overnight to prevent moisture accumulation.
2. Control perspiration during exercise
- Wear Sweatbands or Headbands: These soak up excess sweat and safeguard both your ears and hearing aids during exercise or doing outdoor chores.
- Keep Ears Clean and Dry: Routinely dry your ears thoroughly before reinserting hearing aids to prevent moisture transfer.
3. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene
- Daily Maintenance: To avoid bacterial accumulation triggered by moisture and body heat, incorporate a daily cleaning routine of gently wiping your hearing aids with specialized disinfectant wipes suitable for electronic devices and hearing instruments.
- Eliminate Debris: Examine your devices frequently for dust, dirt, or earwax buildup and clean accordingly. Routine cleanings performed by your hearing professional every couple of months can help prevent permanent damage.
- Appropriate Storage: Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when not in use. Refrain from leaving them exposed to sunlight or high temperatures.
4. Keep an eye on device function and get professional help
If you notice any changes in sound quality, feedback, or battery drainage during summer months, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your hearing care professional. They can carry out necessary upkeep or repairs to keep your hearing aids functioning efficiently.
Enjoy a worry-free summer with well-cared-for hearing aids
Summer is meant for creating memories, not for worrying about your hearing aids. By being mindful and taking basic steps to protect 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.
For expert guidance on protecting your hearing aids or to arrange a thorough check-up, book a consultation with a specialist at your earliest convenience. Make the most of your summer with the peace of mind that your hearing aids can keep up with every thrilling experience.