The summer months provide a wide range of exciting experiences, exhilarating outdoor activities, and wonderful experiences that create lifelong memories. Whether you’re spending time by the pool, going to summer concerts, hiking trails, or simply enjoying backyard barbecues, your hearing aids play a crucial part in keeping you connected. However, warm weather and outside environments bring unique challenges for hearing aid users. Ensuring your devices operate smoothly throughout the warmer months requires a strong understanding of appropriate maintenance and upkeep techniques especially adapted for the summer season.

Summer challenges faced by individuals with hearing aids

The changing seasons can pose unique difficulties for people who use hearing aids, with the hot and humid weather of summer being particularly harmful to the proper functioning of these devices. Here are a few common issues you may encounter during the summer months:

Moisture and humidity

Exposure to moisture from activities involving water, rain, or excessive sweating can pose a threat to hearing aids. Excessive moisture levels have the ability to infiltrate sensitive electronic parts, which may result in operational problems or rusting. Even small amounts of moisture inside your devices can impact sound quality or damage them permanently.

Outside elements and wind

Strong winds can cause hearing aids to become loose in your ears or introduce particles like dust, sand, and debris into delicate areas, presenting more than just a slight inconvenience. Outside activities like gardening, beach outings, or sports can expose your hearing aids to dust particles that interfere with their performance.

Sweltering temperatures and UV rays

Keeping hearing aids in direct sunlight or hot environments, including a car dashboard, can cause overheating, battery drain, or melting of plastic components. Extreme heat speeds up wear and tear and shortens device longevity.

Tips to protect your hearing aids all summer long

By embracing a handful of helpful routines, you can ensure that your hearing aids remain secure, moisture-free, and working optimally throughout the summer, regardless of your activities.

1. Safeguard your hearing aids from water

• Remove Before Swimming or Showering: Always take out your hearing aids before swimming, showering, or any water exposure. Utilize swim caps or waterproof earplugs to keep your ear canals dry.
• After being exposed to moisture, make sure to gently dry your devices using a soft microfiber cloth. Never use heat sources like hair dryers to dry them.
• To decrease moisture build-up, leave the battery door open and store the hearing aids in a drying case or dehumidifying device for several hours or overnight, allowing them to dry out thoroughly.

2. Deal with sweat and physical activity

• Think about wearing sweatbands or headbands to absorb extra sweat and shield your ears and hearing devices while exercising or doing tasks outside.
• Keep Ears Clean and Dry: Regularly dry your ears completely before reinserting hearing aids to prevent moisture transfer.

3. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene

• Frequent Cleaning Routine: Wipe your hearing aids every day with disinfectant wipes made for electronics or hearing devices to reduce bacteria growth caused by heat and sweat.
• Eliminate Debris: Examine your devices often for dust, dirt, or earwax accumulation and clean as necessary. Expert cleanings by your hearing specialist every few months can avoid long-term damage.
• Proper Storage: Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry spot when not in use. Refrain from leaving them exposed to sunlight or hot temperatures.

4. Keep an eye on device performance and consult a professional for assistance

If you notice any changes in sound quality, feedback, or battery life during summer months, don’t wait to get in touch with your hearing care professional. They can perform necessary maintenance or repairs to keep your hearing aids working smoothly.

Have a hassle-free summer with well-maintained hearing aids

Summer is a time for forging lasting experiences, not for stressing about your hearing devices. By being mindful and taking simple steps to safeguard your devices, you can ensure they can withstand hot temperatures, moisture, and outdoor conditions. This will allow you to enjoy clear sound while experiencing conversations, bird songs, and water splashes.

For expert guidance on protecting your hearing aids or to set up a thorough check-up, book a consultation with a specialist at your earliest convenience. Enjoy your summer to the fullest, with confidence that your hearing aids are ready for any adventure.