You’re planning a very active summer. Plenty of beach time and lots of swimming no doubt. You’ll do some day-to-day jogging and then maybe take in a ball game or two before going home to up some tasty dinner. You’ll be busy! And you want to be sure your hearing aids are up to the challenge.
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 at the same time.
Summertime hearing aid obstacles
With hearing aids, every season will have distinctive challenges. Climate and weather are the biggest obstacles during the summer.
Here are some summer related obstacles:
- Wind: A powerful enough wind can jerk and yank at your hearing aids. Depending on the environment, powerful winds can also introduce dust and debris into your hearing aid.
- Moisture: Whether it’s from humidity, swimming, rain, or simply sweat, moisture is nearly always present in the summer. Moisture can be harmful to hearing aids so that can present a challenge.
- Dirt and debris: During the summer you’re very active. But sand in your hearing aid, like beach sand, can result in problems.
Generally, it’s pretty obvious why these problems are more prevalent during the summer months: you spend more time outside. And you’re more likely to encounter a surprise 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 manufactured to make it possible for you to do more, to improve your quality of life. So throughout the summer, most people want to wear their hearing aids as frequently as they can. Taking care of your hearing aids by taking some additional steps can make that happen.
Take measures to keep your hearing aids dry
Water will wreak havoc on electronics and the more state-of-the-art the electronics, the worse the potential damage. Keep moisture at bay with these tips:
- Don’t go swimming with your hearing aids in your ears. Going for a swim? Great! Don’t forget to remove your hearing aids before swimming. Obviously, the majority of people already do this. So lingering moisture in your ears after you get out of the water is the real concern. That’s why you should consider wearing a swim cap and earplugs when you go in the water. By doing this your ears and thus your hearing aids will stay nice and dry.
- Thoroughly dry your ears. Drying your ears thoroughly will help avoid the unintentional transfer of moisture from your ears to your hearing aids.
- When you’re performing an activity that will cause you to sweat, wear a sweatband. This will help keep moisture out of your ears (and far from your hearing aids).
- Air dry your hearing aids at night by opening the battery door. This will help counter damage from corrosion of the battery.
- Have a microfiber towel nearby. In that manner, you can dry your hearing aids all through the day. In this way, you can prevent the build-up of wetness.
Take measures to keep your hearing aids clean
The growth of bacteria is quickened by heat and moisture. During the summer especially, take steps to keep your hearing aids clean. Here are some guidelines:
- Store your hearing aids in a place that’s dry and cool. Hearing aids, generally speaking, don’t handle direct sunlight very well. So don’t put them on your dashboard on a hot summer day. Alternatively, when you’re not using them, store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place.
- Don’t let debris build-up over time. As you’re sanitizing your hearing aids, you can also take the time to clear away any debris that might have accumulated. Eventually, it’s probably also a good idea to have your hearing aids professionally cleaned.
- Sanitize your hearing aids regularly. Specialized antibacterial wipes are available for this.
Stay active, remain happy, keep hearing
Your hearing aids will help you for a lifetime and they will improve your summer months especially. There’s a way to keep your hearing aids dry and in good working order whether you’re hiking, swimming, or simply taking an evening stroll around your neighborhood.