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 outside settings can pose distinct difficulties for individuals who depend on hearing aids. Guaranteeing your devices function smoothly throughout the warmer months requires a solid understanding of proper maintenance and upkeep techniques especially tailored for the summer season.
Summer challenges faced by people who use hearing aids
The changing seasons can pose unique challenges for people who wear hearing aids, with the hot and humid weather of summer being especially harmful to the effective functioning of these devices. Common summer issues to look out for:
Moisture and humidity
Sweat, rain, and water activities increase moisture exposure for hearing aids. High humidity levels can permeate into delicate electronic components, potentially creating malfunctions or corrosion. Even modest amounts of moisture within your devices can impact sound quality or damage them permanently.
Outdoor elements and wind
Strong breezes aren’t simply an annoyance, they can displace hearing aids from your ears or introduce dust, sand, and debris into sensitive parts. Outdoor activities like gardening, beach trips, or sports can subject 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 keeping them on a car dashboard, can result in overheating, reduced battery life, or melting of plastic parts. Excessive heat accelerates wear and tear and shortens device lifespan.
Summer guidelines for safeguarding your hearing aids
With a few sensible practices, you can keep your hearing aids secure, dry, and functioning at their best, no matter what your summer plans are.
1. Shield your hearing aids from water
- Pre-Water Precautions: It’s essential to take out your hearing aids prior to participating in any aquatic activities, such as swimming or showering, to prevent damage from water exposure. To prevent water from getting into your ears, consider using swim caps or waterproof earplugs.
- After being exposed to moisture, make sure to gently dry your devices using a soft microfiber cloth. Never utilize heat sources like hair dryers to dry them.
- To decrease moisture build-up, leave the battery door 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 sweating during exercise
- Think about wearing sweatbands or headbands to soak up extra sweat and shield your ears and hearing devices while working out or doing tasks outside.
- Keep Ears Clean and Dry: Regularly dry your ears completely before reinserting hearing aids to avoid moisture transfer.
3. Ensure a sanitary environment
- Daily Maintenance: To prevent bacterial buildup caused 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.
- Routinely Check and Clean Your Devices: It’s important to occasionally inspect your devices for any build-up of debris, such as dust, dirt, or earwax, and take the required steps to eliminate it. Routine cleanings carried out by your hearing professional every couple of months can help prevent long-term damage.
- Don’t forget to keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry location when they are not being used. Make sure to keep them away from sunlight and high temperatures.
4. Monitor device function and get professional help
If you detect 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 are able to perform essential maintenance or repairs in order to ensure that your hearing aids function properly.
Have a stress-free summer with well-maintained hearing aids
Summer is meant for creating memories, not for stressing about your hearing aids. With mindful care and a few easy preventative measures, your devices can handle the heat, moisture, and outdoor elements, letting you experience every conversation, bird song, and splash with crystal-clear sound.
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. Enjoy your summer to the fullest, knowing your hearing aids are ready for any adventure.