You have an active summer planned. Plenty of beach time and lots of swimming no doubt. You’ll do some day-to-day jogging and then maybe attend a ball game or two before heading home to up some delicious dinner. You’re going to be busy! And you want to make sure your hearing aids are up to the challenge.
Each of these experiences can introduce unique challenges for your hearing aids, but there are some simple ways you can safeguard these little, helpful devices and enjoy your summer at the same time.
Challenges of hearing aids in the summer
Each season will present distinct obstacles with regards to your hearing aids. In the summer, most of those challenges are weather and climate related.
Summer-related challenges may include:
- Moisture: Whether it’s from humidity, swimming, rain, or simply sweat, moisture is just about always present during the summer. Moisture can do a number on hearing aids so that can present a problem.
- Debris, sand and dirt: During the summer you’re actually active. But sand in your hearing aid, like beach sand, can result in problems.
- Wind: A powerful enough wind can tug and yank at your hearing aids. Depending on the climate, strong winds can also introduce dust and debris into your hearing aid.
For the most part, it’s quite obvious why these problems are more widespread during the summer months: you spend more time outside. And you’re more likely to experience a surprise rain storm or a powerful wind when you’re outdoors so often.
How to keep your hearing aids working great all summer
Your hearing aids are made to enhance your quality of life, to make it possible for you to do more. So throughout the summer, the majority of individuals want to use their hearing aids as often as possible. Taking care of your hearing aids by taking some additional steps can make that happen.
Take measures to keep your hearing aids dry
Water will damage electronics and the more advanced the electronics, the worse the potential damage. There are several ways you can keep moisture at bay:
- Use a sweatband when you’re exercising. This will help keep moisture out of your ears (and far from your hearing aids).
- Open the battery compartment on your hearing aids at night and allow them to air dry. This will help keep the battery from corroding and will decrease damage.
- Keep a microfiber towel nearby. That way, you can dry your hearing aids all through the day. In this way, you can avoid the accumulation of moisture.
- Don’t swim with your hearing aids in your ears. Going swimming? Great! Just remove your hearing aids first. Naturally, this is common sense. So the real risk is the wetness in your ears that lingers after you go swimming. That’s why you should consider using a swim cap and earplugs when you go in the water. By doing this your ears and thus your hearing aids will remain quite dry.
- Dry your ears thoroughly. Drying your ears totally will help prevent the unintentional transference of moisture from your ears to your hearing aids.
Take measures to keep your hearing aids clean
Heat and moisture can both fuel the growth of bacteria. So you should also do a few things to ensure your hearing aids are remaining clean during the summer months. Here are some guidelines:
- Routinely disinfect your hearing aids. Specialized antibacterial wipes are made for this.
- Watch for the long-term accumulation of debris. You can take a few minutes to get rid of any debris on your hearing aids while you disinfect them. Occasionally, a professional cleaning is needed.
- Store your hearing aids in a place that’s cool and dry. That’s because hearing aids (generally) don’t like exposure to heat and direct sunlight. So keep them off of your dashboard when it’s hot. Alternatively, make certain they’re tucked away someplace cool and dry when you aren’t wearing them.
Stay active, stay happy, keep hearing
Your hearing aids are made to help you all through your life, and that’s definitely true of the summer season. You can keep your hearing aids dry and in good working order whether you’re hiking, swimming, or simply taking an evening stroll around your neighborhood.