You’ve got a lively summer planned. You’re certainly going to go to the beach and maybe go for a swim. You’ll enjoy some live entertainment, you’ll get plenty of exercise jogging or possibly playing some tennis, then it’s time to get to the grill. You’ll be busy! So it’s important that your hearing aids are prepared.
All of these experiences can introduce unique challenges for your hearing aids, but there are some simple ways you can protect these tiny, helpful devices and enjoy your summer too.
Summertime hearing aid difficulties
With hearing aids, each season will come with unique difficulties. Climate and weather are the greatest obstacles during the summer.
Summer-related challenges may include:
- Moisture: Whether it’s from humidity, swimming, rain, or just sweat, moisture is nearly always present during the summer. Moisture can do a number on hearing aids so that can present a challenge.
- Wind: A strong enough wind can tug and yank at your hearing aids. Depending on the climate, powerful winds can also introduce dust and debris into your hearing aid.
- Dirt and debris: 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.
Part of the reason why these issues are more likely to crop up in the summer is self-evident: you tend to be outside more often. And when you spend more time outside, you’re more likely to encounter a strong gust of wind or a sudden rainstorm.
Keeping your hearing aids at peak performance through the summer
Your hearing aids are manufactured to allow you to do more, to improve the quality of life. So throughout the summer, most individuals want to wear their hearing aids as frequently as they can. Caring for your hearing aids by taking some extra steps can make that happen.
Keeping your hearing aids dry
Water will wreak havoc on electronics and the more state-of-the-art the electronics, the worse the potential damage. There are a few ways you can protect against moisture:
- When you’re doing something that will cause you to sweat, wear a sweatband. Your hearing aids will stay nice and dry because moisture can’t get to them.
- Keep a microfiber towel handy. In that manner, you can dry out your hearing aids all through the day. This stops moisture from building up when you aren’t watching.
- Air dry your hearing aids at night by opening the battery door. This will help prevent damage from corrosion of the battery.
- Don’t swim with your hearing aids in your ears. Going swimming? Great! Just remove your hearing aids first. Obviously, this is common sense. So the real hazard is the wetness in your ears that lingers after you go swimming. Wearing a swim cap or earplugs when you’re swimming is a smart idea. By doing this your ears and thus your hearing aids will stay quite dry.
- Dry your ears thoroughly. Make sure you aren’t accidentally transferring moisture from your ears to your hearing aids.
Take measures to keep your hearing aids clean
The growth of bacteria is fueled by moisture and heat. During the summer especially, take measures to keep your hearing aids clean. You can do the following:
- Store your hearing aids in a dry, cool place. That’s because hearing aids (generally) don’t like exposure to heat and direct sunlight. So don’t store them on your dashboard on the hottest day of summer. Alternatively, when you’re not wearing them, store your hearing aids in a dry, cool spot.
- Watch for the long-term build-up of debris. As you’re disinfecting your hearing aids, you can also take the time to clear away any debris that might have built-up. Sooner or later, it’s probably also a good idea to have your hearing aids professionally cleaned.
- Sanitize your hearing aids regularly. You can do this with specially made antibacterial and disinfectant wipes.
Stay active, stay happy, keep hearing
Your hearing aids are designed to help you all through your life, and that’s certainly true of the summer months. So whether you’re planning on swimming in the lake, hiking up a mountain, or going for a walk around the neighborhood, there’s a way to make sure your hearing aids remain dry and keep working.