The summer months offer a wealth of exciting experiences, thrilling outdoor activities, and wonderful experiences that create lifelong memories. Whether you’re hanging out by the pool, attending summer concerts, hiking trails, or simply enjoying backyard cookouts, your hearing aids play a vital part in keeping you connected. But, warm weather and outdoor environments bring distinct challenges for hearing aid users. Guaranteeing your devices operate smoothly throughout the warmer months requires a solid understanding of appropriate maintenance and upkeep techniques especially adapted for the summer season.

Summer difficulties encountered by individuals who use hearing aids

Every season introduces 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 issues you may encounter during the summer months:

Moisture and humidity

Exposure to moisture from activities featuring water, rain, or excessive sweating can present a threat to hearing aids. Excessive moisture levels have the ability to penetrate sensitive electronic components, which may lead to operational issues or rusting. Even modest amounts of moisture within your devices can affect sound quality or damage them permanently.

Wind and outside elements

Strong winds can cause hearing aids to become loose in your ears or bring particles like dust, sand, and debris into fragile areas, posing more than just a minor aggravation. Participating in outdoor pursuits such as gardening, visiting the beach, or playing sports may expose your hearing aids to dust and debris that can impact how well they function.

Sweltering temperatures and UV rays

Keeping hearing aids in direct sunlight or hot environments, including a car dashboard, can cause overheating, battery drainage, or melting of plastic components. Excessive heat accelerates wear and tear and shortens device longevity.

Summer guidelines for safeguarding your hearing aids

By adopting a handful of useful habits, you can ensure that your hearing aids stay secure, moisture-free, and functioning efficiently throughout the summer, no matter what your activities.

1. Safeguard your hearing aids from water

• Pre-Water Precautions: It’s important to remove your hearing aids before engaging in any aquatic activities, including swimming or showering, to prevent damage from water exposure. Utilize swim caps or waterproof earplugs to keep your ear canals dry.
• Dry After Exposure: Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe your devices if they get wet. Never use 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 at night to prevent moisture buildup.

2. Control perspiration during exercise

• Use Sweatbands or Headbands: These soak up excess sweat and protect both your ears and hearing aids during exercise or doing outside chores.
• Prevent Moisture Buildup: To keep your hearing aids functioning properly, make sure to dry your ears thoroughly after showering or bathing before putting them back in.

3. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene

• Daily Maintenance: To avoid bacterial accumulation triggered by moisture and body heat, incorporate a daily cleaning habit of gently wiping your hearing aids with specialized disinfectant wipes suitable for electronic devices and hearing instruments.
• Eliminate Debris: Inspect your devices frequently for dust, dirt, or earwax buildup and clean accordingly. Expert 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 area when they are not being used. Refrain from leaving them exposed to sunlight or hot temperatures.

4. Monitor device function and get professional help

If you notice any changes in sound quality, feedback, or battery life during summer months, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your hearing care professional. They can perform required upkeep or repairs to keep your hearing aids functioning smoothly.

Have a stress-free summer with well-maintained hearing aids

Summer is meant for making memories, not for stressing about your hearing aids. By being attentive 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 professional guidance on safeguarding 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.