You have a lively summer planned. You’re definitely going to go to the beach and maybe take a swim. You’ll enjoy some live entertainment, you’ll get lots of exercise jogging or maybe playing some tennis, then it’s time to hit the grill. Your schedule will be pretty full. So it’s crucial that your hearing aids are prepared.
All of these activities can introduce unique hazards for your hearing aids, but there are a few simple ways you can protect these little, helpful devices and enjoy your summer as well.
Summertime hearing aid challenges
With hearing aids, every season will come with unique obstacles. Climate and weather are the leading obstacles in the summer.
Summer-related challenges could include:
- Wind: A strong enough wind can jerk and yank at your hearing aids. Depending on the climate, powerful 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 may get some sand in your hearing aid, and that may cause issues.
- Moisture: Whether it’s from humidity, swimming, rain, or simply sweat, moisture is nearly always present in the summer. Moisture can do a number on hearing aids so that can present a problem.
Generally, it’s fairly apparent why these problems are more common in the summer months: you spend more time outside. And when you spend more time outside, you’re more likely to experience a powerful gust of wind or a sudden rainstorm.
Keeping your hearing aids at peak performance through the summer
Your hearing aids are manufactured to make it possible for you to do more, to improve your quality of life. Most individuals who use hearing aids will want to use them as much as they can, especially during the summer. Taking care of your hearing aids by taking some extra steps can make that happen.
Take measures to keep your hearing aids dry
Water will wreak havoc on electronics and the more state-of-the-art the electronics, the worse the possible damage. Keep moisture at bay with these tips:
- Open the battery compartment on your hearing aids at night and allow them to air dry. This will help prevent damage caused by corrosion of the battery.
- Dry your ears thoroughly. Make sure you aren’t accidentally transferring moisture from your ears to your hearing aids.
- Have a microfiber towel nearby. You can use this to routinely dry your hearing aids. This stops wetness from accumulating when you aren’t paying attention.
- Don’t bring your hearing aids in the water. Going swimming? Sweet! Don’t forget to take out your hearing aids before going into the water. Naturally, most people already do this. So lingering wetness in your ears after you get out of the water is the real issue. Using a swim cap or earplugs while swimming is a smart plan. By doing this your ears and thus your hearing aids will stay quite dry.
- Wear a headband when you’re exercising. Your hearing aids will stay quite dry because moisture can’t get to them.
Take steps to keep your hearing aids clean
Heat and moisture can both fuel the growth of bacteria. So you should also take a few steps to make sure your hearing aids are staying clean over the summer months. Here are some tips:
- Don’t let debris accumulate over time. As you’re disinfecting your hearing aids, you can also take the time to clean out any debris that might have built-up. Sometimes, a professional cleaning is needed.
- Store your hearing aids in a spot that’s cool and dry. Hearing aids, as a rule, don’t do well in the direct sunlight. So don’t store them on your dashboard on the hottest day of summer. Instead, make certain they’re nestled away somewhere cool and dry when you’re not wearing them.
- Routinely disinfect your hearing aids. Specialized antibacterial wipes are made for this.
Stay active, remain happy, keep hearing
Your hearing aids are made to accompany you throughout your life, and that’s definitely true of the summer season. So whether you’re planning on swimming in the lake, hiking up a mountain, or taking a walk around the neighborhood, there’s a way to be sure your hearing aids remain dry and keep working.