You’ve got an active summer planned. You’re certainly going to go to the beach and maybe take a swim. You’ll take in some live entertainment, you’ll get plenty of exercise jogging or possibly playing some tennis, then it’s time to get to the grill. Your schedule will be pretty full. So it’s essential that your hearing aids are prepared.
All of these activities can introduce unique hazards for your hearing aids, but there are a few simple ways you can protect these tiny, helpful devices and enjoy your summer as well.
Obstacles of hearing aids in the summer
Each season will present unique challenges with regards to your hearing aids. In the summer, many of those tests are weather and climate related.
Here are some summer related obstacles:
- Moisture: Whether it’s from swimming, humidity, rain, or simply sweat, moisture is nearly always present during the summer. Moisture can do a number on hearing aids so that can present a challenge.
- Dirt and debris: In the summer you’re very active. But when you hit the beach, there’s a good possibility you could get some sand inside of your hearing aid, and that might cause problems.
- 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.
Part of the reason why these problems are more likely to crop up in the summer is self-evident: you spend more time outside. And you’re more likely to encounter a sudden rain storm or a strong wind when you’re outside so often.
How to keep your hearing aids working great all summer
Your hearing aids are made to enhance your quality of life, to make it possible for you to do more. The majority of people 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 care for the technology and ensure your hearing aids continue working.
Take steps to keep your hearing aids dry
Water will wreak havoc on electronics and the more sophisticated the electronics, the worse the potential damage. There are a few ways you can protect against moisture:
- Open the battery compartment on your hearing aids at night and allow them to air dry. This will help stop the battery from corroding and will prevent damage.
- Wear a headband when you’re exercising. This will help keep sweat out of your ears (and away from your hearing aids).
- Dry your ears thoroughly. Make sure you aren’t accidentally transferring moisture from your ears to your hearing aids.
- Don’t go swimming with your hearing aids in your ears. Beach day? Great! Don’t forget to take out your hearing aids before going into the water. Obviously, the majority of individuals already do this. So residual wetness in your ears after you get out of the water is the real issue. Using a swim cap or earplugs when you’re swimming is a good idea. By doing this your ears and thus your hearing aids will stay nice and dry.
- Keep a microfiber towel handy. You can use this to routinely dry your hearing aids. In this way, you can prevent the build-up of moisture.
Take measures to keep your hearing aids clean
Heat and moisture can both hasten the growth of bacteria. So you should also take a few steps to make sure your hearing aids are remaining clean during the summer months. You can do the following:
- Store your hearing aids in a place that’s dry and cool. That’s because hearing aids (generally) don’t like exposure to direct sunlight and heat. So don’t store them on your dashboard on a hot summer day. Instead, make certain they’re tucked away someplace dry and cool when you’re not using them.
- Routinely sanitize your hearing aids. This can be done with specially made antibacterial and disinfectant wipes.
- Watch out for the long-term build-up of debris. You can take a little time 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.
Stay active, remain happy, keep hearing
Your hearing aids are designed to help you all through your life, and that’s certainly true of the summer season. So whether you’re planning on going for a swim in the lake, hiking up a mountain, or taking a walk around the neighborhood, there’s a way to make sure your hearing aids remain dry and keep working.