Posted Tuesday December 3, 2024
Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but it can also bring some challenges for hearing aid wearers. Whether you're heading to the beach, enjoying outdoor activities, or dealing with the summer heat and humidity, it's important to care for your hearing aids to ensure they stay in top condition. Here’s a guide to help you protect and maintain your hearing aids this summer.
- Keep them dry
Summer means more sweat, humidity, and potential rain. Hearing aids are delicate electronic devices, and moisture can damage them. Here’s how to keep them dry:
Use a drying box or dehumidifier: At the end of each day, place your hearing aids in a drying box or a specialised dehumidifying container. These devices will absorb moisture, keeping your hearing aids dry and working properly.
Remove batteries at night: If your hearing aids use disposable batteries, remove them at night to allow any moisture to escape. This can also help preserve battery life. - Clean them regularly
Sweat and dust can build up on your hearing aids, affecting their performance. To keep them clean:
Wipe them down: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe your hearing aids daily, especially after outdoor activities.
Use a brush: Most hearing aids come with a small brush to clean the microphone and speaker areas. Gently brush away any debris or wax buildup.
Avoid cleaning products: Skip harsh chemicals or water when cleaning. They can damage the delicate components of your hearing aids. - Protect from sand and dirt
If you're hitting the beach or going on a hiking adventure, sand and dirt can cause problems.
Keep them in a safe place: When not in use, keep your hearing aids in their case or a safe, clean place. This will help prevent sand or dirt from getting into the tiny parts.
Be mindful during activities: If you're swimming or participating in water sports, it’s best to leave your hearing aids in a dry, secure location. You can get waterproof hearing aid accessories for added protection if you need them. - Watch the heat
The summer heat can affect your hearing aids, causing the batteries to drain faster or even damaging sensitive components.
Avoid direct sunlight: Don’t leave your hearing aids in a hot car or place them in direct sunlight for extended periods. Heat can damage the electronics inside.
Temperature extremes: Try to keep your hearing aids in a more moderate temperature range (not too hot or too cold) and take breaks if you’re out in the heat for long periods. - Keep extra batteries on hand
Whether you’re out enjoying a summer festival or a day at the park, the last thing you want is for your hearing aids to run out of battery. With the warmer weather, batteries may deplete more quickly.
Carry spare batteries: Always have extra batteries with you. Consider getting a small, portable battery case to store them safely in your bag or pocket.
We're currently experiencing a world-wide shortage for hearing aid batteries. Please visit your local clinic early to top up your supplies for the holiday season. We may need to limit the number of battery packs we can sell to you at this time. - Check for fit and comfort
Summer activities can sometimes lead to discomfort if you wear your hearing aids for long hours.
Regularly adjust the fit: Ensure your hearing aids still fit properly. Changes in temperature and humidity can slightly alter the fit, so it’s worth checking and adjusting as needed.
Consider ear protection: If you're heading to loud outdoor events or using power tools, think about ear protection. You can get custom earmoulds that protect your hearing without affecting your hearing aids. - Visit your audiologist
If you notice any issues with your hearing aids, summer is a great time to visit Audiology South for a checkup.
Routine maintenance: Have your hearing aids checked and serviced to ensure they’re in good working condition.
Ask about summer tips: Your audiologist can offer additional tips on how to care for your hearing aids based on your lifestyle and environment.
Taking a little extra time to care for your hearing aids during the summer will help them last longer and perform better, allowing you to fully enjoy the season. Whether it’s keeping them dry, clean, or safe from the sun, following these simple tips will ensure your hearing aids continue to support your hearing needs all summer long.
Enjoy the sun and the sound of summer—just make sure your hearing aids are in top shape to join the fun!