You’re planning a really active summer. Plenty of beach time and lots of swimming for sure. You’ll do some regular running and then maybe take in a ball game or two before heading home to up some delicious dinner. You’re going to be busy! So it’s crucial that your hearing aids are prepared.
Each of these experiences can present unique hazards for your hearing aids, but there are some easy ways you can protect these little, helpful devices and enjoy your summer at the same time.
Obstacles of hearing aids during the summer
Each season will present unique obstacles when it comes to your hearing aids. In the summer, many of those challenges are weather and climate related.
Here are a few summer related challenges:
- Moisture: Whether it’s from swimming, humidity, 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.
- Wind: A powerful enough wind can tug and yank at your hearing aids. Depending on the environment, powerful winds can also introduce dust and debris into your hearing aid.
- Dirt and debris: You’re active during the summer. But sand in your hearing aid, like beach sand, can lead to issues.
Generally, it’s pretty apparent why these problems are more prevalent during the summer months: you tend to be outside more. And when you spend more time outside, you’re more likely to encounter a strong gust of wind or a flash rainstorm.
Keeping your hearing aids at peak performance through the summer
Your hearing aids are made to allow you to do more, to improve your quality of life. Most individuals who wear hearing aids will want to use them as much as they can, especially through the summer. This means doing a few extra things to take care of the technology and ensure your hearing aids continue working.
Keeping your hearing aids dry
Water will wreak havoc on electronics and the more advanced the electronics, the worse the possible damage. Protect against moisture with these tips:
- Dry your ears thoroughly. Make sure you aren’t accidentally transferring moisture from your ears to your hearing aids.
- Don’t go swimming with your hearing aids in your ears. Beach day? Sweet! Don’t forget to take out your hearing aids before going into the water. Of course, most individuals already do this. So lingering wetness in your ears after you get out of the water is the real issue. That’s why you should consider using a swim cap and earplugs when you go swimming. By doing this your ears and thus your hearing aids will stay nice and dry.
- When you’re performing an activity that will cause you to sweat, wear a sweatband. Your hearing aids will stay quite dry because sweat can’t reach them.
- Open the battery compartment on your hearing aids at night and let them air dry. This will help keep the battery from corroding and will prevent damage.
- Keep a microfiber towel handy. You can use this to routinely dry your hearing aids. In this way, you can prevent the accumulation of moisture.
Regularly clean your hearing aids
The growth of bacteria is fueled by heat and moisture. During the summer particularly, take steps to keep your hearing aids clean. You can do the following:
- Store your hearing aids in a place that’s cool and dry. That’s because hearing aids (as a general rule) don’t like exposure to heat and direct sunlight. So don’t put them on your dashboard on a hot summer day. Instead, make sure they’re nestled away someplace cool and dry when you’re not wearing them.
- Watch for the long-term accumulation of debris. You can take a little time to remove any debris on your hearing aids while you sanitize them. Sooner or later, it’s most likely also a good plan to have your hearing aids professionally cleaned.
- Disinfect your hearing aids on a regular basis. Specialized antibacterial wipes are made for this.
Be happy, remain active, hear well
Your hearing aids are made to help you throughout 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 be sure your hearing aids stay dry and keep working.