You’ve got a lively summer planned. Plenty of beach time and lots of swimming for sure. You’ll take in some live entertainment, you’ll get lots of exercise jogging or possibly playing some tennis, then it’s time to get to the grill. Your schedule will be quite full. And you want to be sure your hearing aids are up to the task.
Each of these activities can present unique challenges for your hearing aids, but there are a few simple ways you can protect these little, helpful devices and enjoy your summer as well.
Challenges of hearing aids during the summer
With hearing aids, each season will have distinctive obstacles. Climate and weather are the leading challenges during the summer.
Summer-related challenges may include:
- Wind: Your hearing aids can be pushed and pulled around by the wind if it’s powerful enough. Depending on the climate, strong winds can also introduce dust and debris into your hearing aid.
- Moisture: Whether it’s from humidity, swimming, rain, or just sweat, moisture is just about always present in the summer. That’s problematic because moisture can be a major issue for hearing aids.
- Debris, sand and dirt: You’re active during the summer. But when you hit the beach, there’s a good possibility you might get some sand in your hearing aid, and that may cause problems.
Part of the reason why these issues are more likely to crop up in the summer is self-evident: you spend more time outdoors. And you’re more likely to experience a surprise 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 designed to enhance your quality of life, to make it possible for you to do more. So throughout the summer, the majority of people want to use their hearing aids as frequently as possible. This means taking a few extra steps to take care of the technology and make sure your hearing aids keep working.
Keeping your hearing aids dry
Water will damage electronics and the more state-of-the-art the electronics, the worse the possible damage. There are several ways you can keep moisture at bay:
- Have a microfiber towel handy. In that manner, you can dry out your hearing aids all through the day. This stops moisture from accumulating when you aren’t watching.
- 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).
- Dry your ears thoroughly. Make sure you aren’t accidentally transferring moisture from your ears to your hearing aids.
- Don’t swim with your hearing aids in your ears. Going for a swim? Great! Don’t forget to remove your hearing aids before swimming. Naturally, this is common sense. So the real danger is the wetness in your ears that remains after you go into the water. Using a swim cap or earplugs while swimming is a good plan. By doing this your ears and thus your hearing aids will remain quite dry.
- Air dry your hearing aids at night by opening the battery compartment. This will help stop the battery from corroding and will decrease damage.
Take steps to keep your hearing aids clean
The growth of bacteria is quickened by heat and moisture. In the summer especially, take measures to keep your hearing aids clean. Here are some tips:
- Routinely disinfect your hearing aids. Specialized antibacterial wipes are made for this.
- Watch for the long-term build-up of debris. As you’re disinfecting your hearing aids, you can also take the time to clear away any debris that may have accumulated. Sometimes, a professional cleaning is needed.
- Store your hearing aids in a spot that’s cool and dry. Hearing aids, as a rule, don’t do well in the direct sunlight. So keep them off of your dashboard on hot days. Alternatively, make certain they’re nestled away somewhere dry and cool when you’re not using them.
Stay active, remain happy, keep hearing
Your hearing aids will help you for a lifetime and they will enhance 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 just taking an evening stroll around your neighborhood.