You’re planning a really active summer. You’re definitely going to hit the beach and maybe take a swim. You’ll do some regular running and then maybe attend a baseball game or two before going home and grilling up some tasty dinner. You’re going to be busy! So it’s important that your hearing aids are prepared.
Summer activities such as these can be hard on your hearing aids, but these little beneficial devices can be safeguarded without it slowing your summer fun.
Obstacles of hearing aids in the summer
Each season will present distinct obstacles with regards to your hearing aids. Climate and weather are the leading obstacles in the summer.
Summer-related challenges might include:
- Moisture: Whether it’s from humidity, swimming, rain, or just sweat, moisture is nearly always present during the summer. Moisture can be harmful to hearing aids so that can present a problem.
- Wind: Your hearing aids can be pushed and pulled around by the wind if it’s strong enough. Depending on the climate, strong winds can also introduce dust and debris into your hearing aid.
- Debris, sand and dirt: You’re active in the summer. But when you hit the beach, there’s a good possibility you might get some sand in your hearing aid, and that could cause issues.
In general, it’s pretty apparent why these issues are more common in the summer months: you spend more time outdoors. And you’re more likely to experience a sudden rain storm or a powerful wind when you’re outside so often.
Keeping your hearing aids at optimum performance through the summer
Your hearing aids are designed to enhance your quality of life, to make it possible for you to do more. So throughout the summer, most individuals want to use their hearing aids as often as possible. Caring for your hearing aids by taking a few extra steps can make that happen.
Take actions to keep your hearing aids dry
We’ve established that moisture is the adversary of a well-functioning hearing aid (the more advanced the electronics, the worse water is). Keep moisture at bay with these tips:
- Keep a microfiber towel handy. You can use this to routinely dry your hearing aids. In this way, you can avoid the accumulation of moisture.
- Air dry your hearing aids while you sleep by opening the battery door. This will help keep the battery from corroding and will prevent damage.
- When you’re doing something that will cause you to sweat, use a sweatband. Your hearing aids will stay nice and dry because sweat can’t reach them.
- Don’t go swimming while wearing your hearing aids. Going swimming? Nice! Don’t forget to remove your hearing aids before swimming. Obviously, the majority of people already do this. So residual moisture in your ears after you get out of the water is the real concern. That’s why you should start thinking about using a swim cap and earplugs when you go in the water. By doing this your ears and thus your hearing aids will stay nice and dry.
- Thoroughly dry your ears. Make sure you aren’t accidentally transferring moisture from your ears to your hearing aids.
Take measures to keep your hearing aids clean
Moisture and heat can both hasten the growth of bacteria. So you should also take a few steps to ensure your hearing aids are staying clean over the summer months. Here are some guidelines:
- Routinely disinfect your hearing aids. You can do this with specially produced antibacterial and disinfectant wipes.
- Store your hearing aids in a cool and dry place. That’s because hearing aids (generally) don’t like exposure to direct sunlight and heat. So don’t store them on your dashboard on the hottest day of summer. Alternatively, when you’re not wearing them, keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry place.
- Don’t let debris accumulate over time. You can take a little time to get rid of any debris on your hearing aids while you disinfect them. Sometimes, a professional cleaning is needed.
Be happy, remain active, hear well
Your hearing aids will be there for you for a lifetime and they will enhance your summer months especially. So whether you’re planning on swimming in the lake, hiking over a mountain, or going for a stroll around the neighborhood, there’s a way to make sure your hearing aids remain dry and keep working.