You’ve got a lively summer planned. Some beach time and lots of swimming no doubt. You’ll do some day-to-day running and then maybe take in a ball game or two before going home and grilling up some tasty dinner. You’ll be busy! And you want to be sure your hearing aids are up to the task.
All of these experiences can introduce unique challenges for your hearing aids, but there are some simple ways you can protect these tiny, helpful devices and enjoy your summer as well.
Summertime hearing aid obstacles
Every season is going to introduce distinct obstacles with regards to your hearing aids. In the summer, many of those tests are weather and climate related.
Here are a few summer related obstacles:
- Wind: Your hearing aids can be pushed and pulled around by the wind if it’s powerful enough. Depending on the environment, strong winds can also introduce dust and debris into your hearing aid.
- Debris, sand and dirt: You’re active during the summer. But sand in your hearing aid, like beach sand, can lead to problems.
- Moisture: During the summer, moisture is nearly always a factor, whether from rain, sweat, swimming, or humidity. That’s a problem because moisture can be a major problem for 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 when you spend more time outside, you’re more likely to experience a powerful gust of wind or a flash rainstorm.
How to keep your hearing aids in good working order all summer
Your hearing aids are made to allow you to do more, to enhance your quality of life. The majority of people 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 additional steps can make that happen.
Take measures 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 becomes). Keep moisture at bay with these tips:
- Have a microfiber towel handy. You can use this to routinely dry your hearing aids. In this way, you can avoid the build-up of wetness.
- Don’t swim with your hearing aids in your ears. Going swimming? Nice! Just remove your hearing aids first. Obviously, this is common sense. So lingering wetness in your ears after you get out of the water is the real issue. Wearing a swim cap or earplugs when you’re swimming is a good idea. By doing this your ears and thus your hearing aids will remain quite dry.
- When you’re performing an activity that will cause you to sweat, wear a sweatband. This will help keep sweat out of your ears (and far from your hearing aids).
- Dry your ears thoroughly. Make sure you aren’t accidentally transferring moisture from your ears to your hearing aids.
- Air dry your hearing aids while you sleep by opening the battery door. This will help stop the battery from corroding and will prevent damage.
Take steps to keep your hearing aids clean
The growth of bacteria is quickened by moisture and heat. In the summer particularly, take measures to keep your hearing aids clean. Here are some guidelines:
- Store your hearing aids in a place that’s dry and cool. Hearing aids, as a rule, don’t handle direct sunlight very well. So keep them off of your dashboard on hot days. Alternatively, when you’re not using them, store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place.
- Routinely disinfect your hearing aids. This can be accomplished with specially made antibacterial and disinfectant wipes.
- Watch out for the long-term accumulation of debris. You can take a few minutes to get rid of any debris on your hearing aids while you sanitize them. Sometimes, a professional cleaning is needed.
Be happy, remain active, hear well
Your hearing aids will be there for you for a lifetime and they will improve your summer months especially. You can keep your hearing aids dry and in good working order whether you’re hiking, swimming, or just taking an evening stroll around your neighborhood.