You’re planning a really active summer. Plenty of beach time and lots of swimming no doubt. You’ll take in some live entertainment, you’ll get plenty of exercise jogging or maybe playing some tennis, then it’s time to get to the grill. You’re going to be busy! So it’s important that your hearing aids are prepared.
Summer activities such as these can be hard 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
Every season will introduce distinct obstacles when it comes to your hearing aids. Climate and weather are the leading obstacles in the summer.
Summer-related challenges could include:
- Debris, sand and dirt: You’re active during the summer. But sand inside of your hearing aid, like beach sand, can lead to problems.
- Moisture: Whether it’s from swimming, humidity, rain, or simply sweat, moisture is just about always present in the summer. That’s an issue because moisture can be a huge issue for hearing aids.
- Wind: A strong enough wind can tug and yank at your hearing aids. Depending on the environment, strong winds can also introduce dust and debris into your hearing aid.
Part of the reason why these issues are more common in the summer is clear: you tend to be outside more often. And you’re more likely to experience a surprise rain storm or a powerful wind when you’re outside so often.
Keeping your hearing aids at peak performance through the summer
Your hearing aids are made to improve your quality of life, to allow you to do more. So throughout the summer, most individuals want to use their hearing aids as often as possible. Caring for your hearing aids by taking some extra steps can make that happen.
Keeping 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:
- Keep a microfiber towel handy. That way, you can dry your hearing aids throughout the day. This stops moisture from building up when you aren’t paying attention.
- Open the battery compartment on your hearing aids while you sleep and allow them to air dry. This will help counter damage from corrosion of the battery.
- Thoroughly dry your ears. Drying your ears totally will help prevent the accidental transfer of moisture from your ears to your hearing aids.
- Don’t go swimming while wearing your hearing aids. Going for a swim? Sweet! Don’t forget to take out your hearing aids before going into the water. Obviously, most people already do this. So residual moisture in your ears after you get out of the water is the real concern. That’s why you should consider using a swim cap and earplugs when you go swimming. By doing this your ears and thus your hearing aids will remain quite dry.
- Wear a sweatband when you’re working out. Your hearing aids will stay quite dry because sweat can’t reach them.
Take measures to keep your hearing aids clean
The growth of bacteria is fueled by heat and moisture. So you should also take a few steps to make sure your hearing aids are staying clean over the summer months. You can do the following:
- Store your hearing aids in a spot that’s cool and dry. Hearing aids, generally speaking, don’t handle direct sunlight very well. So don’t store them on your dashboard on a hot summer day. Alternatively, when you’re not using them, store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place.
- Routinely sanitize your hearing aids. Specialized antibacterial wipes are available for this.
- 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 may have accumulated. Occasionally, a professional cleaning is needed.
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.