You’re planning a really active summer. Some beach time and lots of swimming no doubt. You’ll do some day-to-day jogging and then maybe take in a baseball game or two before going home to up some delicious dinner. You’ll be busy! So it’s important that your hearing aids are ready.
Summer activities such as these can be difficult on your hearing aids, but these little useful devices can be protected without it slowing your summer fun.
Difficulties of hearing aids in the summer
With hearing aids, every season will have unique difficulties. During the summer, many of those challenges are weather and climate related.
Here are a few summer related challenges:
- Wind: A powerful enough wind can jerk and pull at your hearing aids. And if you’re in a particularly dry climate, wind can also introduce dust and debris into your hearing aids.
- Dirt and debris: You’re active during the summer. But sand in your hearing aid, such as beach sand, can lead to problems.
- Moisture: Whether it’s from humidity, swimming, rain, or simply sweat, moisture is nearly always present during the summer. That’s an issue because moisture can be a huge issue for hearing aids.
For the most part, it’s pretty apparent why these issues are more prevalent during the summer months: you spend more time outdoors. And when you spend more time outside, you’re more likely to experience a powerful gust of wind or a sudden rainstorm.
Keeping your hearing aids at optimum performance through the summer
Your hearing aids are made to allow you to do more, to improve your quality of life. Most people who wear hearing aids will want to use them as much as they can, especially through the summer. Taking care of your hearing aids by taking a few additional steps can make that happen.
Take measures to keep your hearing aids dry
Water will wreak havoc on electronics and the more advanced the electronics, the worse the potential damage. There are a couple of ways you can keep moisture at bay:
- Air dry your hearing aids while you sleep by opening the battery compartment. This will help keep the battery from corroding and will prevent damage.
- Thoroughly dry your ears. Make sure you aren’t accidentally transferring moisture from your ears to your hearing aids.
- When you’re doing something that will cause you to sweat, use a sweatband. Your hearing aids will stay nice and dry because moisture can’t get to them.
- Have a microfiber towel nearby. That way, you can dry out your hearing aids throughout the day. In this way, you can prevent the build-up of wetness.
- Don’t swim with your hearing aids in your ears. Beach day? Sweet! Don’t forget to take out your hearing aids before swimming. Obviously, this is common sense. So the real danger is the moisture in your ears that remains after you go into the water. 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 stay quite dry.
Routinely clean your hearing aids
The growth of bacteria is quickened by heat and moisture. So you should also do a few things to make sure your hearing aids are staying clean during the summer months. Here are some tips:
- Watch 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 may have built-up. Eventually, it’s probably also a good plan to have your hearing aids professionally cleaned.
- Routinely disinfect your hearing aids. This can be done with specially produced 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 direct sunlight and heat. So don’t store them on your dashboard on a hot summer day. Instead, make sure they’re tucked away someplace dry and cool when you aren’t wearing them.
Be happy, stay active, hear well
Your hearing aids are made to accompany you throughout your life, and that’s certainly true of the summer months. You can keep your hearing aids dry and in good working order whether you’re hiking, swimming, or just taking an evening stroll around your neighborhood.