This summer, make the most of the warm weather and keep your hearing aids in great shape! With summertime activities come a few new threats to your hearing aids, so you’ll need to be extra careful with your hearing aid care. But don’t worry. With these tips, your hearing aids will do all the heavy lifting, leaving you to enjoy the summer with great hearing.
Breaking a Sweat
As a hearing aid wearer, you know that moisture can wreak havoc on your devices. It just takes a few drops for your hearing aid to be affected. Perhaps you’ve noticed that you can’t hear clearly anymore, or your battery life is reduced. It’s possible your hearing has changed, but these problems are likely caused by water damage.
In summertime temperatures, one of the most common forms of moisture you’ll encounter is sweat. Whether going for a run, walking your dog, or hanging out in the back yard, you’re probably breaking a sweat more often than during the winter. If you’ve been perspiring heavily, take a minute to remove your hearing aids, and dry them with a soft, damp cloth, checking for moisture buildup inside the battery door.
Pool-Side Fun
Nothing screams summer like inflating the backyard pool or heading to the nearest swimming pool. If you’re planning a day around water, you may want to consider leaving your hearing aids behind for the afternoon. Moisture causes damage to microphones and receivers, and can even corrode the battery contact points, meaning you won’t be getting any power to your devices. If you take your hearing aids with you, make sure you’re sitting somewhere you won’t get splashed, and be sure to take them out before jumping in. Leave them in a dry, shady place well out of reach of any children or pets.
To keep your ears dry while swimming, the Centers for Disease and Control recommends wearing a bathing cap, ear plugs, or earmolds while in the water. Make sure you thoroughly dry your ears before putting your hearing aids back in.
If you’re around a lot of water this summer, you may want to consider investing in a hearing aid dehumidifier. They’re a real lifesaver when it comes to hearing aid maintenance. They use a desiccant to draw moisture out of your hearing aids during the night, so you’ll never experience damage due to summertime humidity, perspiration, or a pool-side splash.
Look Out for Sand
If you’re planning a beach holiday this summer, you’ll need to be vigilant when it comes to sand. Tiny grains of sand can clog your hearing aid microphones, receivers, or tubing, blocking the sound or causing permanent damage. If you’re at the beach, keep your hands away from your ears! If you have sand particles on your hands, keep them well away from your hearing devices. When you go for a dip, make sure you take out your devices, and leave them in a dry, shady, sand-free spot. If you have a waterproof case or bag, this would be a good time to pull it out of storage.
Don’t Leave Your Devices in the Car
Leaving your hearing aids in the car is never a great idea, but in the summer time it could spell the end of your devices. In the heat, the interior of your car turns into an oven. The outer casings of your hearing aids are made of plastic, so they will melt! Keep your hearing aids in your bag, and don’t leave them in the vehicle.
We’re Here to Help You Hear
Holiday get-togethers and high temperatures are things to celebrate, so make sure your hearing aids are ready for the festivities. Be sure to clean your hearing aids every day, using a soft, dry cloth to wipe away any moisture, dirt, dust, or debris that collects on your devices. Be sure to check the microphone, receiver, and tubing for any blockages.
If you need help to make sure you’re hearing your best, call us at Hearing Health at Home Mobile Hearing Services! We’ll solve your hearing aid problems by performing a thorough cleaning, checking for damage, or ordering repairs. Our team of trained hearing specialists are here to help, and we’ll make sure you’re hearing at your best.