You’re planning a really active summer. You’re definitely going to go to the beach and maybe take a swim. You’ll do some day-to-day jogging and then maybe take in a baseball game or two before heading home to up some tasty dinner. You’ll be busy! And you want to be sure your hearing aids are up to the challenge.
Summer activities like these can be tough on your hearing aids, but these little beneficial devices can be safeguarded without it slowing your summer fun.
Summertime hearing aid challenges
Every season will introduce unique difficulties with regards to your hearing aids. Climate and weather are the leading challenges during the summer.
Summer-related obstacles might include:
- Wind: Your hearing aids can be pushed and pulled around by the wind if it’s strong enough. Depending on the climate, powerful winds can also introduce dust and debris into your hearing aid.
- Moisture: In the summer, moisture is nearly always present, whether from sweat, rain, swimming, or humidity. That’s problematic because moisture can be a huge issue for hearing aids.
- Dirt and debris: In the summer you’re really active. 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.
For the most part, it’s fairly obvious why these problems are more prevalent during the summer months: you tend to be outdoors more. And when you spend more time outside, you’re more likely to experience a strong gust of wind or a sudden rainstorm.
How to keep your hearing aids working great all summer
Your hearing aids are manufactured to make it possible for you to do more, to improve your quality of life. The majority of people who use hearing aids will want to use them as much as they can, particularly during the summer. Caring for your hearing aids by taking a few extra steps can make that happen.
Keeping your hearing aids dry
Water will wreak havoc on electronics and the more advanced the electronics, the worse the potential damage. Keep moisture at bay with these tips:
- Don’t bring your hearing aids into the water. Going for a swim? Great! Don’t forget to remove your hearing aids before going into the water. Obviously, this is common sense. So lingering moisture in your ears after you get out of the water is the real concern. Wearing a swim cap or earplugs while swimming is a good plan. By doing this your ears and thus your hearing aids will stay nice and dry.
- Keep a microfiber towel handy. You can use this to routinely dry your hearing aids. This stops wetness from building up when you aren’t paying attention.
- Wear a sweatband when you’re exercising. Your hearing aids will stay quite dry because sweat can’t get to them.
- Air dry your hearing aids while you sleep by opening the battery compartment. This will help stop the battery from corroding and will prevent damage.
- Dry your ears thoroughly. Make sure you aren’t accidentally transferring moisture from your ears to your hearing aids.
Regularly clean your hearing aids
The growth of bacteria is fueled by moisture and heat. In the summer especially, take measures to keep your hearing aids clean. You can do the following:
- Watch out for the long-term build-up of debris. As you’re disinfecting your hearing aids, you can also take the time to clear away any debris that might have accumulated. Sometimes, a professional cleaning is needed.
- Disinfect your hearing aids regularly. This can be done with specially made antibacterial and disinfectant wipes.
- Store your hearing aids in a cool and dry spot. Hearing aids, generally speaking, don’t handle direct sunlight very well. So don’t store them on your dashboard on the hottest day of summer. Instead, make certain they’re nestled away someplace dry and cool when you aren’t using them.
Stay active, stay happy, keep hearing
Your hearing aids will help you for a lifetime and they will enhance 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 just taking an evening stroll around your neighborhood.