You’re planning a very active summer. You’re obviously going to hit the beach and maybe take a swim. You’ll enjoy some live entertainment, you’ll get plenty of exercise jogging or maybe playing some tennis, then it’s time to get to the grill. Your schedule will be quite full. So it’s essential that your hearing aids are prepared.
All of these experiences can present unique risks for your hearing aids, but there are a few simple ways you can protect these tiny, helpful devices and enjoy your summer at the same time.
Summertime hearing aid obstacles
Every season is going to introduce unique challenges when it comes to your hearing aids. Climate and weather are the leading obstacles during the summer.
Summer-related obstacles could include:
- Wind: A powerful enough wind can tug and pull at your hearing aids. Depending on the environment, powerful winds can also introduce dust and debris into your hearing aid.
- Debris, sand and dirt: You’re active in the summer. But when you go to the beach, there’s a good chance you could get some sand in your hearing aid, and that could cause issues.
- Moisture: Whether it’s from swimming, humidity, rain, or simply sweat, moisture is nearly always present in the summer. Moisture can do a number on hearing aids so that can present a problem.
Generally, it’s fairly apparent why these issues are more prevalent during the summer months: you spend more time outdoors. And you’re more likely to encounter a sudden rain storm or a strong wind when you’re outdoors so often.
Keeping your hearing aids at optimum performance through the summer
Your hearing aids are made to allow you to do more, to enhance your quality of life. So throughout the summer, most people want to use their hearing aids as frequently as they can. Caring for your hearing aids by taking some extra steps can make that happen.
Take actions to keep your hearing aids dry
We’ve established that moisture is the enemy of a well-functioning hearing aid (the more sophisticated the electronics, the worse water becomes). There are a couple of ways you can keep moisture at bay:
- Use a headband when you’re working out. This will help keep moisture out of your ears (and away from your hearing aids).
- Have a microfiber towel handy. In that manner, you can dry your hearing aids all through the day. This stops moisture from accumulating when you aren’t watching.
- Air dry your hearing aids at night by opening the battery compartment. This will help counter damage from corrosion of the battery.
- Thoroughly dry your ears. Make sure you aren’t accidentally transferring moisture from your ears to your hearing aids.
- Don’t swim while wearing your hearing aids. Beach day? Nice! Just take out your hearing aids first. Naturally, this is common sense. So the real hazard is the wetness in your ears that lingers after you go swimming. Using a swim cap or earplugs while swimming is a smart idea. By doing this your ears and thus your hearing aids will stay quite dry.
Take steps to keep your hearing aids clean
Moisture and heat can both fuel the growth of bacteria. In the summer especially, take measures to keep your hearing aids clean. Here are some tips:
- Routinely sanitize your hearing aids. Specialized antibacterial wipes are made for this.
- Don’t let debris build-up over time. As you’re disinfecting your hearing aids, you can also take the time to clear away any debris that might have built-up. Sometimes, a professional cleaning is needed.
- Store your hearing aids in a dry, cool spot. That’s because hearing aids (generally) don’t like exposure to direct sunlight and heat. So don’t put them on your dashboard on the hottest day of summer. Alternatively, when you’re not wearing them, keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot.
Stay active, remain happy, keep hearing
Your hearing aids are designed to accompany you throughout your life, and that’s certainly true of the summer months. There’s a way to keep your hearing aids dry and in good working order whether you’re hiking, swimming, or simply taking an evening stroll around your neighborhood.