You’re planning a very active summer. You’re definitely going to go to the beach and maybe take a swim. You’ll do some day-to-day running and then maybe take in a ball game or two before heading home and grilling up some delicious dinner. You’re going to be busy! And you want to be sure your hearing aids are up to the challenge.
Summer activities like these can be hard on your hearing aids, but these little useful devices can be safeguarded without it halting your summer fun.
Challenges of hearing aids during the summer
Every season will introduce distinct difficulties when it comes to your hearing aids. In the summer, most of those tests are weather and climate related.
Summer-related challenges may include:
- Moisture: Whether it’s from swimming, humidity, rain, or just sweat, moisture is nearly always present during the summer. That’s problematic because moisture can be a major problem for hearing aids.
- Wind: Your hearing aids can be pushed and pulled around by the wind if it’s strong enough. Depending on the climate, powerful winds can also introduce dust and debris into your hearing aid.
- Dirt and debris: In the summer you’re very active. But sand inside of your hearing aid, such as beach sand, can lead to issues.
For the most part, it’s quite apparent why these issues are more prevalent during the summer months: you’re usually outdoors more often. And when you spend more time outside, you’re more likely to experience a strong gust of wind or a sudden rainstorm.
Keeping your hearing aids at optimum performance through the summer
Your hearing aids are designed to enhance your quality of life, to allow you to do more. So throughout the summer, the majority of individuals want to wear their hearing aids as often as possible. Taking care of your hearing aids by taking some additional steps can make that happen.
Take actions to keep your hearing aids dry
We’ve established that moisture is the enemy of a well-functioning hearing aid (the more advanced the electronics, the worse water becomes). Protect against moisture with these tips:
- Open the battery compartment on your hearing aids at night and let them air dry. This will help prevent damage from corrosion of the battery.
- When you’re doing something that will cause you to sweat, use a sweatband. This will help keep sweat out of your ears (and away from your hearing aids).
- Thoroughly dry your ears. Make sure you aren’t accidentally transferring moisture from your ears to your hearing aids.
- Have a microfiber towel handy. You can use this to periodically dry your hearing aids. This stops wetness from accumulating when you aren’t watching.
- Don’t go swimming with your hearing aids in your ears. Beach day? Great! Don’t forget to take out your hearing aids before swimming. Of course, the majority of individuals already do this. So the real hazard is the moisture in your ears that remains after you go into the water. That’s why you should consider wearing a swim cap and earplugs when you go in the water. By doing this your ears and thus your hearing aids will stay quite dry.
Take measures to keep your hearing aids clean
The growth of bacteria is fueled by heat and moisture. In the summer particularly, take steps to keep your hearing aids clean. You can do the following:
- Don’t let debris accumulate over time. As you’re disinfecting your hearing aids, you can also take the time to clear away any debris that may have built-up. Sometimes, a professional cleaning is needed.
- Store your hearing aids in a place that’s cool and dry. That’s because hearing aids (as a general rule) don’t do well with exposure to direct sunlight and heat. So don’t put them on your dashboard on the hottest day of summer. Alternatively, when you’re not using them, keep your hearing aids in a dry, cool spot.
- Sanitize your hearing aids regularly. This can be done with specially made antibacterial and disinfectant wipes.
Be happy, remain active, hear well
Your hearing aids will help you for a lifetime and they will improve your summer months especially. You can keep your hearing aids dry and in good working order whether you’re hiking, swimming, or simply taking an evening stroll around your neighborhood.
