You’re planning a very active summer. You’re obviously going to go to the beach and maybe go for a swim. You’ll do some regular running and then maybe attend a ball game or two before heading home and grilling up some tasty dinner. You’re going to be busy! So it’s important 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 tiny, helpful devices and enjoy your summer at the same time.
Challenges of hearing aids in the summer
With hearing aids, each season will come with unique difficulties. During 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 climate, powerful winds can also introduce dust and debris into your hearing aid.
- 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.
- Dirt and debris: You’re active during the summer. But when you hit the beach, there’s a good chance you may get some sand inside of your hearing aid, and that could cause problems.
Part of the reason why these problems are more common in the summer is self-evident: you’re usually outside more. And when you spend more time outside, you’re more likely to encounter a powerful gust of wind or a flash rainstorm.
Keeping your hearing aids at peak performance through the summer
Your hearing aids are made to make it possible for you to do more, to improve your quality of life. So over the course of the summer, the majority of people want to use their hearing aids as frequently as possible. Caring for your hearing aids by taking some additional steps can make that happen.
Take steps to keep your hearing aids dry
Water will wreak havoc on electronics and the more state-of-the-art the electronics, the worse the potential damage. There are several ways you can protect against moisture:
- When you’re doing something that will cause you to sweat, wear a sweatband. This will help keep sweat out of your ears (and away from your hearing aids).
- Don’t go swimming while wearing your hearing aids. Beach day? Sweet! Don’t forget to remove your hearing aids before going into the water. Naturally, most people already do this. So the real risk is the moisture in your ears that lingers after you go into the water. That’s why you should consider wearing a swim cap and earplugs when you go swimming. This can help keep your ears (and thus your hearing aids) quite dry.
- Keep a microfiber towel handy. In that manner, you can dry out your hearing aids throughout the day. This stops moisture from accumulating when you aren’t watching.
- Air dry your hearing aids while you sleep by opening the battery compartment. This will help counter damage caused by corrosion of the battery.
- Thoroughly dry your ears. Drying your ears totally will help prevent the unintentional transfer of moisture from your ears to your hearing aids.
Regularly clean your hearing aids
Heat and moisture can both fuel the growth of bacteria. So you should also do a few things to make sure your hearing aids are remaining clean during the summer months. Here are some tips:
- Routinely disinfect your hearing aids. This can be accomplished with specially made antibacterial and disinfectant wipes.
- Watch out for the long-term build-up of debris. As you’re sanitizing your hearing aids, you can also take the time to clear away any debris that might have accumulated. Eventually, it’s most likely also a good idea to have your hearing aids professionally cleaned.
- Store your hearing aids in a dry, cool place. Hearing aids, generally speaking, don’t handle direct sunlight very well. So keep them off of your dashboard when it’s hot. Alternatively, make sure they’re tucked away someplace cool and dry when you’re not wearing them.
Be happy, remain active, hear well
Your hearing aids are made to help you all through your life, and that’s certainly true of the summer season. So whether you’re planning on going for a swim in the lake, hiking up a mountain, or going for a stroll around the neighborhood, there’s a way to make sure your hearing aids stay dry and keep working.