You’re planning a very active summer. You’re certainly going to hit the beach and maybe go for a swim. You’ll enjoy some live entertainment, you’ll get plenty of exercise jogging or perhaps playing some tennis, then it’s time to hit the grill. You’re going to be busy! So it’s crucial that your hearing aids are prepared.
All of these activities can introduce unique challenges for your hearing aids, but there are some simple ways you can protect these little, helpful devices and enjoy your summer as well.
Summer hearing aid obstacles
Every season is going to introduce distinct obstacles when it comes to your hearing aids. Climate and weather are the greatest challenges during the summer.
Here are a few summer related obstacles:
- Dirt and debris: You’re active during the summer. But sand in your hearing aid, such as beach sand, can cause issues.
- Moisture: Whether it’s from humidity, swimming, rain, or simply sweat, moisture is nearly always present during the summer. That’s a problem because moisture can be a huge problem for hearing aids.
- Wind: A strong enough wind can jerk and yank at your hearing aids. And if you’re in a particularly dry environment, wind can also introduce dust and debris into your hearing aids.
Part of the reason why these issues are more likely to crop up in the summer is self-evident: you spend more time outside. 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 made to enhance your quality of life, to make it possible for you to do more. So throughout the summer, most people want to use their hearing aids as often as possible. Taking care of your hearing aids by taking some additional steps can make that happen.
Take steps to keep your hearing aids dry
We’ve established that moisture is the enemy of a well-functioning hearing aid (the more state-of-the-art the electronics, the worse water is). There are a couple of ways you can keep moisture at bay:
- Thoroughly dry your ears. Make sure you aren’t accidentally transferring moisture from your ears to your hearing aids.
- When you’re doing something that will cause you to sweat, wear a sweatband. This will help keep moisture out of your ears (and far from your hearing aids).
- Have a microfiber towel handy. You can use this to periodically 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 prevent damage from corrosion of the battery.
- Don’t wear your hearing aids in the water. Beach day? Nice! Don’t forget to take out your hearing aids before going into the water. Obviously, the majority of individuals already do this. So lingering wetness in your ears after you get out of the water is the real concern. Using a swim cap or earplugs while swimming is a smart idea. This can help keep your ears (and thus your hearing aids) nice and dry.
Regularly clean your hearing aids
The growth of bacteria is quickened by moisture and heat. So you should also take a few steps to ensure your hearing aids are remaining clean during the summer months. You can do the following:
- Sanitize your hearing aids on a regular basis. This can be done with specially made antibacterial and disinfectant wipes.
- Watch for the long-term accumulation of debris. You can take a little time to remove any debris on your hearing aids while you disinfect them. Eventually, it’s probably also a good plan to have your hearing aids professionally cleaned.
- Store your hearing aids in a cool and dry spot. That’s because hearing aids (as a general rule) don’t like exposure to direct sunlight and heat. So don’t put them on your dashboard on a hot summer day. Alternatively, when you’re not wearing them, keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot.
Stay active, stay happy, keep hearing
Your hearing aids are designed to accompany you throughout your life, and that’s certainly true of the summer season. There’s a way to keep your hearing aids dry and in good working order whether you’re hiking, swimming, or just taking an evening stroll around your neighborhood.
