You’re planning a really active summer. Plenty of beach time and lots of swimming for sure. You’ll do some regular jogging and then maybe take in a baseball game or two before going home to up some delicious dinner. You’re going to be busy! And you want to be sure your hearing aids are up to the challenge.
All of these activities can introduce unique challenges for your hearing aids, but there are some easy ways you can safeguard these little, helpful devices and enjoy your summer as well.
Summer hearing aid difficulties
Every season is going to introduce distinct obstacles with regards to your hearing aids. Climate and weather are the greatest challenges during the summer.
Summer-related obstacles may include:
- Moisture: Whether it’s from humidity, swimming, rain, or simply sweat, moisture is just about always present during the summer. That’s a problem because moisture can be a major issue for hearing aids.
- Wind: Your hearing aids can be pushed and pulled around by the wind if it’s strong enough. And if you’re in an especially dry environment, wind can also introduce dust and debris into your hearing aids.
- Dirt and debris: You’re active in the summer. But when you go to the beach, there’s a good chance you may get some sand in your hearing aid, and that may cause issues.
Generally, it’s quite 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.
How to keep your hearing aids working great all summer
Your hearing aids are designed to improve your quality of life, to make it possible for you to do more. Most individuals who use hearing aids will want to use them as much as they can, especially during the summer. This means taking a few extra steps to take care of the technology and make sure your hearing aids continue working.
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:
- When you’re doing something that will cause you to sweat, wear a sweatband. This will help keep moisture out of your ears (and far from your hearing aids).
- 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.
- Have a microfiber towel nearby. That way, you can dry out your hearing aids throughout the day. This stops moisture from building up when you aren’t watching.
- Dry your ears thoroughly. Make sure you aren’t accidentally transferring moisture from your ears to your hearing aids.
- Don’t go swimming while wearing your hearing aids. Going for a swim? Great! Just take out your hearing aids first. Of course, most individuals already do this. So the real danger is the moisture in your ears that lingers after you go swimming. That’s why you should start thinking about wearing a swim cap and earplugs when you go in the water. This can help keep your ears (and thus your hearing aids) quite dry.
Take measures to keep your hearing aids clean
Heat and moisture can both fuel the growth of bacteria. During the summer especially, take steps to keep your hearing aids clean. Here are some tips:
- Store your hearing aids in a cool and dry spot. That’s because hearing aids (as a general rule) don’t like exposure to heat and direct sunlight. So keep them off of your dashboard when it’s hot. Alternatively, when you’re not wearing them, store your hearing aids in a dry, cool place.
- Disinfect your hearing aids on a regular basis. You can do this 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 built-up. Occasionally, a professional cleaning is necessary.
Be happy, remain active, hear well
Your hearing aids will be there for you for a lifetime and they will enhance your summer months especially. 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.