You’re planning a really active summer. You’re certainly going to go to the beach and maybe go for a swim. You’ll take in some live entertainment, you’ll get plenty of exercise jogging or possibly playing some tennis, then it’s time to hit the grill. You’re going to be busy! So it’s important that your hearing aids are ready.
All of these activities can present unique challenges for your hearing aids, but there are a few simple ways you can safeguard these tiny, helpful devices and enjoy your summer as well.
Summer hearing aid obstacles
With hearing aids, each season will come with unique obstacles. In the summer, most of those challenges are weather and climate related.
Summer-related challenges could include:
- Wind: Your hearing aids can be pushed and pulled around by the wind if it’s strong enough. Depending on the environment, strong winds can also introduce dust and debris into your hearing aid.
- Moisture: Whether it’s from humidity, swimming, rain, or just sweat, moisture is just about always present during the summer. Moisture can be harmful to hearing aids so that can present a challenge.
- Debris, sand and dirt: During the summer you’re actually active. But sand inside of your hearing aid, such as beach sand, can cause problems.
For the most part, it’s quite apparent why these issues are more widespread during the summer months: you’re usually outside more. And when you spend more time outside, you’re more likely to experience a strong gust of wind or a flash rainstorm.
How to keep your hearing aids in good working order all summer
Your hearing aids are manufactured to allow you to do more, to enhance your quality of life. The majority of individuals who wear hearing aids will want to use them as much as possible, especially through the summer. This means taking a few extra steps to take care of the technology and make sure your hearing aids keep working.
Keeping your hearing aids dry
Water will wreak havoc on electronics and the more state-of-the-art the electronics, the worse the possible damage. There are a few ways you can keep moisture at bay:
- Thoroughly dry your ears. Make sure you aren’t accidentally transferring moisture from your ears to your hearing aids.
- Don’t wear your hearing aids into the water. Going for a swim? Sweet! Don’t forget to take out your hearing aids before going into the water. Naturally, this is common sense. So the real hazard is the wetness in your ears that remains after you go swimming. That’s why you should start thinking about using a swim cap and earplugs when you go in the water. By doing this your ears and thus your hearing aids will remain nice and dry.
- Keep a microfiber towel nearby. You can use this to periodically dry your hearing aids. This stops moisture from building up when you aren’t paying attention.
- Air dry your hearing aids at night by opening the battery compartment. This will help stop the battery from corroding and will prevent damage.
- When you’re performing an activity that will cause you to sweat, wear a sweatband. This will help keep moisture out of your ears (and away from your hearing aids).
Routinely 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. Here are some guidelines:
- Store your hearing aids in a cool and dry place. Hearing aids, as a rule, don’t do well in the direct sunlight. So don’t put them on your dashboard on a hot summer day. Alternatively, when you’re not wearing them, store your hearing aids in a dry, cool spot.
- Routinely disinfect your hearing aids. This can be accomplished with specially made antibacterial and disinfectant wipes.
- Don’t let debris build-up over time. As you’re sanitizing your hearing aids, you can also take the time to clean out any debris that might have accumulated. Sooner or later, it’s probably also a good idea to have your hearing aids professionally cleaned.
Stay active, stay happy, keep hearing
Your hearing aids will be there for 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 just taking an evening stroll around your neighborhood.
