You have an active summer planned. Plenty of beach time and lots of swimming no doubt. 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 ready.
Summer activities such as these can be tough on your hearing aids, but these little beneficial devices can be protected without it slowing your summer fun.
Summertime hearing aid obstacles
With hearing aids, each season will come with unique difficulties. In the summer, many of those tests are weather and climate related.
Summer-related obstacles may include:
- Moisture: During the summer, moisture is almost always present, whether from sweat, rain, swimming, or humidity. That’s problematic because moisture can be a huge problem for hearing aids.
- Wind: Your hearing aids can be pushed and pulled around by the wind if it’s strong enough. Depending on the environment, powerful winds can also introduce dust and debris into your hearing aid.
- Debris, sand and dirt: During the summer you’re really active. But when you hit the beach, there’s a good chance you could get some sand in your hearing aid, and that may cause problems.
For the most part, it’s pretty obvious why these issues are more widespread during the summer months: you spend more time outdoors. And you’re more likely to encounter a surprise rain storm or a powerful wind when you’re outdoors so often.
Keeping your hearing aids at optimum performance through the summer
Your hearing aids are designed to enhance your quality of life, to allow you to do more. Most people who wear hearing aids will want to use them as much as possible, particularly through the summer. Taking care of your hearing aids by taking a few additional 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. Protect against moisture with these tips:
- Open the battery compartment on your hearing aids at night and allow them to air dry. This will help counter damage caused by corrosion of the battery.
- Thoroughly dry your ears. Drying your ears completely will help prevent the accidental transference of moisture from your ears to your hearing aids.
- When you’re doing something that will cause you to sweat, use a sweatband. Your hearing aids will stay nice and dry because moisture can’t reach them.
- Don’t swim while wearing your hearing aids. Beach day? Nice! Don’t forget to take out your hearing aids before swimming. Obviously, this is common sense. So the real danger is the moisture 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. This can help keep your ears (and thus your hearing aids) nice and dry.
- Keep a microfiber towel handy. That way, you can dry your hearing aids all through the day. This stops wetness from building up when you aren’t watching.
Take measures to keep your hearing aids clean
The growth of bacteria is quickened by moisture and heat. In the summer especially, take steps to keep your hearing aids clean. You can do the following:
- Watch for the long-term accumulation of debris. As you’re disinfecting your hearing aids, you can also take the time to clean out any debris that might have built-up. Sometimes, a professional cleaning is necessary.
- Routinely disinfect your hearing aids. Specialized antibacterial wipes are made for this.
- Store your hearing aids in a spot that’s cool and dry. 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, make sure they’re tucked away somewhere cool and dry when you’re not wearing them.
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.