You have a lively summer planned. You’re definitely going to hit the beach and maybe go for a swim. You’ll do some day-to-day running and then maybe attend a ball game or two before heading home and grilling up some delicious dinner. Your schedule is going to be quite full. And you want to make sure your hearing aids are up to the task.
All of these experiences can present unique hazards for your hearing aids, but there are a few easy ways you can safeguard these tiny, helpful devices and enjoy your summer at the same time.
Challenges of hearing aids in the summer
Each season will introduce unique obstacles with regards to your hearing aids. Climate and weather are the leading challenges during the summer.
Here are some summer related challenges:
- Wind: A strong enough wind can jerk and pull at your hearing aids. Depending on the climate, strong winds can also introduce dust and debris into your hearing aid.
- Moisture: During the summer, moisture is nearly always a factor, whether from rain, sweat, swimming, or humidity. That’s problematic because moisture can be a major problem for hearing aids.
- Dirt and debris: You’re active during the summer. But when you go to the beach, there’s a good possibility you may get some sand in your hearing aid, and that may cause issues.
Part of the reason why these issues are more common in the summer is self-evident: you spend more time outdoors. And you’re more likely to encounter a sudden rain storm or a strong wind when you’re outdoors so often.
How to keep your hearing aids working great all 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, the majority of people want to wear their hearing aids as frequently as possible. Taking care of your hearing aids by taking some additional steps can make that happen.
Keeping your hearing aids dry
Water will damage electronics and the more state-of-the-art the electronics, the worse the potential damage. Keep moisture at bay with these tips:
- Don’t swim while wearing your hearing aids. Beach day? Great! Don’t forget to remove your hearing aids before swimming. Naturally, the majority of individuals already do this. So lingering moisture in your ears after you get out of the water is the real concern. That’s why you should consider 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.
- When you’re doing something that will cause you to sweat, wear a sweatband. Your hearing aids will stay quite dry because moisture can’t get to them.
- Dry your ears thoroughly. Drying your ears thoroughly will help prevent the unintentional transfer of moisture from your ears to your hearing aids.
- Open the battery compartment on your hearing aids while you sleep and allow them to air dry. This will help stop the battery from corroding and will decrease damage.
- Keep a microfiber towel nearby. That way, you can dry your hearing aids all through the day. In this way, you can prevent the accumulation of wetness.
Routinely clean your hearing aids
Heat and moisture can both fuel the growth of bacteria. During the summer particularly, take steps to keep your hearing aids clean. Here are some tips:
- Watch for the long-term build-up of debris. As you’re disinfecting your hearing aids, you can also take the time to clean out any debris that might have accumulated. Eventually, it’s most likely also a good idea to have your hearing aids professionally cleaned.
- Routinely disinfect your hearing aids. This can be done with specially made antibacterial and disinfectant wipes.
- Store your hearing aids in a dry, cool place. Hearing aids, generally speaking, don’t do well in the direct sunlight. So keep them off of your dashboard when it’s hot. Alternatively, when you’re not wearing them, store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place.
Stay active, stay happy, keep hearing
Your hearing aids will help you for a lifetime and they will improve your summer months especially. So whether you’re planning on going for a swim in the lake, hiking up a mountain, or going for a stroll around the neighborhood, there’s a way to ensure your hearing aids stay dry and keep working.