You’re planning a really active summer. You’re certainly going to go to the beach and maybe go for a swim. You’ll do some regular running and then maybe attend a baseball game or two before going home and grilling up some delicious dinner. Your schedule is going to be pretty full. So it’s crucial that your hearing aids are prepared.
All of these experiences can introduce unique challenges for your hearing aids, but there are a few easy ways you can protect these little, helpful devices and enjoy your summer too.
Summer hearing aid challenges
With hearing aids, every season will come with unique difficulties. Climate and weather are the greatest challenges in the summer.
Here are a few summer related challenges:
- Moisture: Whether it’s from humidity, swimming, rain, or just sweat, moisture is just about always present during the summer. Moisture can do a number on hearing aids so that can present a problem.
- Dirt and debris: You’re active in the summer. But when you go to the beach, there’s a good possibility you may get some sand in your hearing aid, and that might cause issues.
- Wind: A strong enough wind can jerk 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 problems are more likely to crop up during the summer is self-evident: 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 in good working order all summer
Your hearing aids are made to enhance your quality of life, to make it possible for you to do more. Most individuals who wear hearing aids will want to use them as much as possible, especially during the summer. Caring for your hearing aids by taking some extra steps can make that happen.
Take measures to keep your hearing aids dry
Water will damage electronics and the more state-of-the-art the electronics, the worse the potential damage. Protect against moisture with these tips:
- Wear a headband when you’re exercising. This will help keep sweat out of your ears (and away from your hearing aids).
- Keep a microfiber towel nearby. In that manner, you can dry your hearing aids throughout the day. This stops moisture from accumulating when you aren’t watching.
- Dry your ears thoroughly. Make sure you aren’t accidentally transferring moisture from your ears to your hearing aids.
- Air dry your hearing aids at night by opening the battery door. This will help prevent damage from corrosion of the battery.
- Don’t wear your hearing aids into the water. Going swimming? Great! Don’t forget to remove your hearing aids before going into the water. Obviously, 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 consider wearing a swim cap and earplugs when you go swimming. By doing this your ears and thus your hearing aids will remain quite dry.
Routinely clean your hearing aids
Heat and moisture can both hasten the growth of bacteria. In the summer especially, take steps to keep your hearing aids clean. You can do the following:
- Store your hearing aids in a place that’s dry and cool. Hearing aids, as a rule, don’t do well in the direct sunlight. So keep them off your dashboard when it’s hot. Instead, make certain they’re tucked away somewhere cool and dry when you’re not wearing them.
- Sanitize your hearing aids on a regular basis. You can do this with specially made antibacterial and disinfectant wipes.
- Don’t let debris accumulate over time. As you’re sanitizing your hearing aids, you can also take the time to clear away any debris that may have built-up. Sometimes, 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.
