The summer months offer a wealth of stimulating experiences, thrilling outdoor adventures, and unforgettable experiences that make lifelong memories. Whether you’re hanging out by the pool, attending summer concerts, hiking trails, or just enjoying backyard cookouts, your hearing aids play a vital role in keeping you connected. However, warm weather and outside environments bring unique challenges for hearing aid users. To make sure your devices continue to working perfectly through the season, it’s essential to recognize how to care for them correctly during summer.

Summer difficulties faced by people who use hearing aids

The changing seasons can pose unique difficulties for people who use hearing aids, with the hot and humid weather of summer being particularly harmful to the effective functioning of these devices. Common summer problems to look out for:

Humidity and moisture

Sweat, rain, and water activities increase moisture exposure for hearing aids. High humidity levels can seep into delicate electronic components, potentially creating malfunctions or corrosion. Exposure to even minor humidity within your devices can jeopardize audio performance or cause irreversible damage.

Outside elements and wind

Strong breezes aren’t simply an annoyance, they can displace hearing aids from your ears or present dust, dirt, and debris into sensitive parts. Outdoor activities like gardening, beach trips, or sports can subject your hearing aids to dirt particles that interfere with their performance.

Sweltering temperatures and UV rays

Keeping hearing aids in direct sunlight or hot environments, such as a car dashboard, can cause overheating, battery drainage, or melting of plastic components. Extreme heat speeds up wear and tear and reduces the longevity of devices.

Tips to safeguard your hearing aids all summer long

By embracing a handful of useful habits, you can ensure that your hearing aids stay secure, moisture-free, and functioning optimally throughout the summer, regardless of your activities.

1. Protect your hearing aids against water

• Remove Before Swimming or Showering: Always remove your hearing aids before swimming, bathing, or any water exposure. To stop water from getting into your ears, think about using swim caps or waterproof earplugs.
• After being exposed to moisture, make sure to gently dry your devices using a soft microfiber cloth. Never use heat sources like hair dryers to dry them.
• Air Out Overnight: Open up the battery compartments and store hearing aids in a drying container or dehumidifier at night to remove moisture buildup.

2. Control sweating during exercise

• Consider wearing sweatbands or headbands to soak up excess sweat and shield your ears and hearing devices while working out or doing tasks outside.
• Avoid Moisture Accumulation: To keep your hearing aids functioning effectively, make sure to dry your ears thoroughly after showering or bathing before putting them back in.

3. Ensure a sanitary environment

• Daily Maintenance: To prevent bacterial buildup caused by moisture and body heat, incorporate a daily cleaning routine of gently wiping your hearing aids with specialized disinfectant wipes suitable for electronic devices and hearing instruments.
• Remove Debris: Examine your devices often for dust, dirt, or earwax buildup and clean accordingly. Professional cleanings by your hearing specialist every few months can avoid long-term damage.
• Proper Storage: Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid leaving them exposed to sunlight or high temperatures.

4. Monitor device function and get professional help

If you detect any changes in sound quality, feedback, or battery drainage during summer months, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your hearing care professional. They can perform necessary maintenance or repairs to keep your hearing aids working efficiently.

Take pleasure in a stress-free summer with well-cared-for hearing aids

Summer is meant for making memories, not for worrying about your hearing aids. With attentive care and a few easy preventative measures, your devices can handle the heat, moisture, and outdoor elements, letting you enjoy every conversation, bird song, and splash with crystal-clear sound.

If you’re not sure about the best way to protect your hearing aids or need professional maintenance, schedule an appointment today. Make the most of your summer with the peace of mind that your hearing aids can keep up with every thrilling experience.