You have an active summer planned. Some beach time and lots of swimming for sure. You’ll enjoy some live entertainment, you’ll get lots of exercise jogging or perhaps playing some tennis, then it’s time to hit the grill. You’re going to be busy! And you want to ensure your hearing aids are up to the challenge.
Summer activities such as these can be hard on your hearing aids, but these little useful devices can be protected without it halting your summer fun.
Difficulties of hearing aids in the summer
Every season is going to introduce distinct challenges when it comes to your hearing aids. Climate and weather are the leading challenges in the summer.
Here are a few summer related challenges:
- Dirt and debris: You’re active in the summer. But when you go to the beach, there’s a good possibility you could get some sand inside of your hearing aid, and that may cause issues.
- Wind: Your hearing aids can be pushed and pulled around by the wind if it’s strong enough. And if you’re in an extremely dry climate, wind can also introduce dust and debris into your hearing aids.
- Moisture: Whether it’s from swimming, humidity, rain, or just sweat, moisture is nearly always present in the summer. Moisture can do a number on hearing aids so that can present a problem.
Part of the reason why these problems are more common in the summer is self-evident: you tend to be outdoors more often. And you’re more likely to encounter a surprise rain storm or a strong wind when you’re outside so often.
Keeping your hearing aids at optimum performance through the summer
Your hearing aids are manufactured to allow you to do more, to improve the quality of life. So throughout the summer, most people want to wear their hearing aids as frequently as they can. Taking care of your hearing aids by taking some additional steps can make that happen.
Take actions to keep your hearing aids dry
Water will damage electronics and the more sophisticated the electronics, the worse the possible damage. Keep moisture at bay with these tips:
- Don’t wear your hearing aids into the water. Going for a swim? Great! Don’t forget to take out your hearing aids before going into the water. Naturally, this is common sense. So lingering wetness in your ears after you get out of the water is the real concern. That’s why you should start thinking about using a swim cap and earplugs when you go swimming. This can help keep your ears (and thus your hearing aids) quite dry.
- Thoroughly dry your ears. Drying your ears totally will help prevent the accidental transfer of moisture from your ears to your hearing aids.
- Keep a microfiber towel handy. You can use this to periodically dry your hearing aids. In this way, you can avoid the accumulation of moisture.
- Open the battery compartment on your hearing aids at night and let them air dry. This will help counter damage from corrosion of the battery.
- When you’re doing something that will cause you to sweat, use a sweatband. Your hearing aids will stay quite dry because sweat can’t reach them.
Take measures to keep your hearing aids clean
Heat and moisture can both hasten the growth of bacteria. So you should also take a few steps to make sure your hearing aids are staying clean over the summer months. Here are some guidelines:
- Don’t let debris accumulate over time. As you’re disinfecting your hearing aids, you can also take the time to clear away any debris that might have accumulated. Sooner or later, it’s probably 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 spot that’s cool and dry. That’s because hearing aids (generally) don’t like exposure to heat and direct sunlight. So don’t put them on your dashboard on a hot summer day. Alternatively, make sure they’re nestled away somewhere cool and dry when you aren’t wearing them.
Be happy, stay active, hear well
Your hearing aids will help you for a lifetime and they will improve your summer months especially. There’s a way to keep your hearing aids dry and in good working order whether you’re hiking, swimming, or simply taking an evening stroll around your neighborhood.