As the summer heat blankets the surroundings, it is essential to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of your hearing aids. The combination of heat, humidity and outdoor activities can pose potential risks to hearing aids. Therefore, equipping yourself with tips to keep your hearing aids safe during the summer becomes paramount. From safeguarding against moisture damage to protecting them from extreme temperatures, these proactive measures can help prolong the lifespan and functionality of your hearing aids. Here’s everything you need to know.
1. Store Your Hearing Aids in A Cool, Dry Place
Our first tip is to store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place. Don’t leave them in a hot car or a sun-exposed location in the middle of the day, as this can cause battery leakage and other component issues. Manufacturers design hearing aids for conventional temperatures, ranging from 35°F to around 105°F. However, direct solar radiation can increase these significantly beyond design specification.
By contrast, temperatures in shaded areas won’t usually exceed the temperature of the human body, even in hot weather. Heatwaves can send temperatures higher than this but are unlikely in most locations. Finally, on this point, high humidity can also damage hearing aids’ internal components. Therefore, you may want to invest in a dehumidifier for your hearing aid which keeps moisture out of the battery compartment and micro-circuitry.
2. Clean Your Hearing Aids Regularly
Cleaning your hearing aids regularly is another powerful tactic for keeping them safe in the summer heat. Sweat and dirt can clog the microphone ports and the sound outlets, reducing the sound quality and increasing the risk of infection.
Fortunately, cleaning them is pretty easy. Use a soft cloth or a brush to gently wipe away any debris from your hearing aids. Don’t use alcohol or water. These substances can damage the internal components, shortening the hearing aid’s life.
3. Protect Your Hearing Aids from Water
You should also protect your hearing aids from water in the summer. Even if they are water-resistant or waterproof, they are not designed to be submerged in water for long periods. Here’s our advice: if you go for a swim at the pool or beach, leave your devices in a waterproof container in the shade. Make sure nothing can splash them.
If your hearing aids get wet, turn them off, remove the battery and dry them with a towel. Then, leave them in your dehumidifier for several hours to remove any remaining moisture if you have one.
4. Use Ear Protection When Swimming
If you have a device that fits entirely inside the ear canal and can’t take it out, use ear protection. Silicone plugs and swim caps stop water from getting into your ears and damaging your hearing aids’ sensitive internal circuitry. If you experience discomfort while swimming, speak to your audiologist. They can diagnose the source of the pain and provide treatment.
5. Check Your Batteries Regularly
In the summer, you should also check your hearing aids’ batteries regularly. The heat and humidity can drain them faster than usual by changing their chemistry. Make sure that you:
- Regularly check your battery levels and pay attention to distorted sounds or beeping noises.
- Keep spare batteries with you.
- Carry a charger if your devices use rechargeable cells.
6. Don’t Use Hair Sprays or Sunscreens Near Your Hearing Aid
Not using hair sprays or sunscreens near your hearing aids is another way to protect them during the summer. These products can contain chemicals that can damage the plastic or metal parts of your hearing aids over time. They can also cause buildup to accumulate on the inside and outside of the device, reducing performance.
If you need to apply these products, do so before putting on your hearing aids. Furthermore, wait for them to dry and absorb first. If you need to reapply them, temporarily remove your hearing aids and cover them with a cloth.
7. Schedule Regular Checkups
Lastly, be sure to schedule regular check-ups with your audiologist. They can inspect your hearing aids for any signs of wear and tear and make any adjustments or repairs if needed. They can also provide extra advice for keeping your hearing aids safe in the summer.
Learn More About Caring for Hearing Aids in the Summer
Following these tips lets you enjoy the summer without worrying about your hearing aids. Remember that hearing aids are valuable devices that help you communicate and connect with others, so treat them with care and respect. To learn more and get great hearing aids for summer, schedule an appointment at Kirsch Audiology by calling us today at 310-586-5533. We look forward to hearing from you!
