You’re planning a very active summer. You’re obviously going to go to the beach and maybe take a swim. You’ll enjoy some live entertainment, you’ll get lots of exercise jogging or possibly playing some tennis, then it’s time to hit the grill. You’ll be busy! And you want to make sure your hearing aids are up to the challenge.
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.
Summer hearing aid obstacles
With hearing aids, every season will come with unique difficulties. During the summer, most of those challenges are weather and climate related.
Summer-related obstacles might include:
- 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.
- Debris, sand and dirt: You’re active in the summer. But sand in your hearing aid, like beach sand, can lead to issues.
- Moisture: Whether it’s from swimming, humidity, rain, or simply sweat, moisture is nearly always present during the summer. That’s an issue because moisture can be a major issue for hearing aids.
Part of the reason why these problems are more common in the summer is clear: you tend to be outside more. And you’re more likely to experience a sudden rain storm or a powerful wind when you’re outdoors so often.
How to keep your hearing aids in good working order all summer
Your hearing aids are made to improve your quality of life, to allow you to do more. The majority of people who use hearing aids will want to use them as much as possible, especially during the summer. Taking care of your hearing aids by taking some additional steps can make that happen.
Keeping 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:
- When you’re doing something that will cause you to sweat, wear a sweatband. This will help keep moisture out of your ears (and away from your hearing aids).
- Have a microfiber towel nearby. You can use this to routinely dry your hearing aids. This stops wetness from accumulating when you aren’t watching.
- Thoroughly dry your ears. 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 counter damage caused by corrosion of the battery.
- Don’t bring your hearing aids in the water. Going swimming? Great! Just take out your hearing aids first. Of course, the majority of people already do this. So lingering wetness in your ears after you get out of the water is the real concern. Using a swim cap or earplugs when you’re swimming is a smart plan. This can help keep your ears (and thus your hearing aids) quite dry.
Regularly clean your hearing aids
The growth of bacteria is fueled by heat and moisture. So you should also take a few steps to ensure your hearing aids are remaining clean over the summer months. You can do the following:
- Disinfect your hearing aids on a regular basis. You can do this with specially produced antibacterial and disinfectant wipes.
- Watch for the long-term build-up of debris. As you’re sanitizing your hearing aids, you can also take the time to clear away any debris that may have accumulated. Occasionally, a professional cleaning is necessary.
- Store your hearing aids in a place that’s cool and dry. Hearing aids, generally speaking, don’t do well in the direct sunlight. So don’t store them on your dashboard on a hot summer day. Alternatively, make sure they’re nestled away someplace dry and cool when you’re not wearing them.
Be happy, stay active, hear well
Your hearing aids are made to accompany 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.