You have an active summer planned. Some beach time and lots of swimming no doubt. You’ll do some day-to-day jogging and then maybe take in a baseball game or two before heading home to up some tasty dinner. Your schedule is going to be pretty full. So it’s essential that your hearing aids are prepared.
Each of these activities can present unique risks for your hearing aids, but there are a few simple ways you can safeguard these little, helpful devices and enjoy your summer at the same time.
Difficulties of hearing aids during the summer
Every season will introduce unique obstacles with regards to your hearing aids. During the summer, many of those challenges are weather and climate related.
Summer-related obstacles could include:
- Debris, sand and dirt: During the summer you’re really active. But when you go to the beach, there’s a good chance you could get some sand inside of your hearing aid, and that could cause issues.
- Moisture: In the summer, moisture is nearly always present, whether from sweat, rain, swimming, or humidity. Moisture can do a number on hearing aids so that can present a challenge.
- Wind: A powerful enough wind can jerk and pull at your hearing aids. Depending on the environment, powerful winds can also introduce dust and debris into your hearing aid.
Generally, it’s quite apparent why these problems are more prevalent during the summer months: you tend to be outdoors more often. And when you spend more time outside, you’re more likely to experience a strong gust of wind or a flash rainstorm.
Keeping your hearing aids at peak performance through the summer
Your hearing aids are manufactured to make it possible for you to do more, to improve your quality of life. Most individuals who use hearing aids will want to use them as much as they can, especially through the summer. This means doing a few extra things to take care of the technology and make sure your hearing aids keep working.
Take steps to keep your hearing aids dry
Water will wreak havoc on electronics and the more advanced the electronics, the worse the potential damage. There are a few ways you can keep moisture at bay:
- Don’t swim with your hearing aids in your ears. Going for a swim? Sweet! Just remove your hearing aids first. Obviously, this is common sense. So residual wetness in your ears after you get out of the water is the real concern. Wearing a swim cap or earplugs while swimming is a smart plan. This can help keep your ears (and thus your hearing aids) nice and dry.
- Air dry your hearing aids at night by opening the battery door. This will help prevent damage from corrosion of the battery.
- Keep a microfiber towel handy. You can use this to periodically dry your hearing aids. This stops wetness from accumulating when you aren’t watching.
- Dry your ears thoroughly. Drying your ears thoroughly will help prevent the accidental transfer of moisture from your ears to your hearing aids.
- Use a headband when you’re working out. Your hearing aids will stay nice and dry because moisture can’t get to them.
Take steps to keep your hearing aids clean
The growth of bacteria is fueled by moisture and heat. So you should also do a few things to make sure your hearing aids are remaining clean during the summer months. Here are some guidelines:
- Sanitize your hearing aids regularly. This can be done with specially produced antibacterial and disinfectant wipes.
- Don’t let debris build-up over time. You can take a few minutes to clear away any debris on your hearing aids while you disinfect them. Sooner or later, it’s probably also a good plan to have your hearing aids professionally cleaned.
- Store your hearing aids in a spot that’s dry and cool. Hearing aids, as a rule, don’t do well in the direct sunlight. So don’t store them on your dashboard on a hot summer day. Alternatively, when you’re not using them, keep your hearing aids in a dry, cool spot.
Stay active, stay happy, keep hearing
Your hearing aids will help you for a lifetime and they will improve your summer months especially. You can keep your hearing aids dry and in good working order whether you’re hiking, swimming, or just taking an evening stroll around your neighborhood.