You’re planning a very active summer. Some beach time and lots of swimming no doubt. You’ll do some regular running and then maybe take in a ball game or two before heading home to up some tasty dinner. Your schedule will be quite full. And you want to make sure your hearing aids are up to the challenge.
All of these experiences can present unique challenges for your hearing aids, but there are some simple ways you can protect these tiny, helpful devices and enjoy your summer as well.
Obstacles of hearing aids in the summer
Each season is going to introduce unique challenges with regards to your hearing aids. Climate and weather are the greatest obstacles during the summer.
Summer-related obstacles might include:
- Wind: Your hearing aids can be pushed and pulled around by the wind if it’s strong enough. And if you’re in a particularly dry environment, wind can also introduce dust and debris into your hearing aids.
- Moisture: During the summer, moisture is nearly always present, whether from rain, sweat, swimming, or humidity. Moisture can be harmful to hearing aids so that can present a challenge.
- Dirt and debris: During the summer you’re very active. But when you hit the beach, there’s a good possibility you might get some sand inside of your hearing aid, and that may cause issues.
In general, it’s pretty obvious why these issues are more common during the summer months: you tend to be outside more often. And when you spend more time outside, you’re more likely to experience a powerful gust of wind or a sudden rainstorm.
How to keep your hearing aids working great all summer
Your hearing aids are manufactured to allow you to do more, to enhance your quality of life. So over the course of the summer, most individuals want to wear their hearing aids as often as possible. Caring for your hearing aids by taking a few additional steps can make that happen.
Keeping your hearing aids dry
We’ve established that moisture is the enemy of a well-functioning hearing aid (the more state-of-the-art the electronics, the worse water is). There are several ways you can keep moisture at bay:
- Thoroughly dry your ears. Drying your ears thoroughly will help prevent the accidental transfer of moisture from your ears to your hearing aids.
- Don’t wear your hearing aids in the water. Going for a swim? Sweet! Don’t forget to remove your hearing aids before going into the water. Of course, most people already do this. So lingering moisture in your ears after you get out of the water is the real concern. Using a swim cap or earplugs when you’re swimming is a smart idea. This can help keep your ears (and thus your hearing aids) quite dry.
- Have a microfiber towel nearby. You can use this to routinely dry your hearing aids. This stops wetness from accumulating when you aren’t watching.
- When you’re performing an activity that will cause you to sweat, wear a sweatband. Your hearing aids will stay nice and dry because moisture can’t reach them.
- Air dry your hearing aids while you sleep by opening the battery compartment. This will help stop the battery from corroding and will decrease damage.
Take measures to keep your hearing aids clean
Moisture and heat can both hasten the growth of bacteria. In the summer especially, take measures to keep your hearing aids clean. You can do the following:
- Store your hearing aids in a place that’s cool and dry. Hearing aids, as a rule, don’t do well in the direct sunlight. So don’t put them on your dashboard on the hottest day of summer. Alternatively, when you’re not using them, store your hearing aids in a dry, cool place.
- Don’t let debris accumulate over time. As you’re sanitizing your hearing aids, you can also take the time to clean out any debris that may have built-up. Sooner or later, it’s probably also a good idea to have your hearing aids professionally cleaned.
- Routinely disinfect your hearing aids. You can do this with specially produced antibacterial and disinfectant wipes.
Be happy, remain active, hear well
Your hearing aids will be there for you for a lifetime and they will enhance your summer months especially. So whether you’re planning on swimming in the lake, hiking over a mountain, or taking a stroll around the neighborhood, there’s a way to make sure your hearing aids remain dry and keep working.
