Summer Hearing Aid Maintenance: Tips for Safe and Effective Use

Smiling woman with sun hat on the beach.

The summer months provide a wealth of stimulating experiences, exhilarating outdoor activities, and unforgettable experiences that create lifelong memories. Your hearing aids are essential for staying connected as you take part in activities like chilling by the pool, going to summer music events, exploring hiking paths, or hosting backyard cookouts. However, warm weather and outside environments bring distinct obstacles for hearing aid users. To be certain your devices continue to working flawlessly through the season, it’s essential to recognize how to take care of them properly during summer.

Summer difficulties faced by people who use hearing aids

The changing seasons can pose distinct challenges for individuals who use hearing aids, with the hot and humid weather of summer being particularly harmful to the proper functioning of these devices. Here are a few common issues you might experience during the summer months:

Moisture and humidity

Sweat, rain, and water activities increase moisture exposure for hearing aids. High humidity levels can permeate into fragile electronic components, potentially causing malfunctions or oxidation. Exposure to even minimal humidity inside your devices can compromise audio performance or lead to permanent damage.

Outdoor elements and wind

Strong breezes aren’t just an aggravation, they can dislodge hearing aids from your ears or introduce dust, dirt, and debris into sensitive parts. Outdoor activities like gardening, beach outings, or sports can expose your hearing aids to dust particles that hinder their performance.

Sweltering temperatures and UV rays

Exposing hearing aids to direct sunlight or high temperatures, like leaving them on a car dashboard, can lead to overheating, reduced battery life, or distortion of plastic parts. Excessive heat speeds up wear and tear and shortens device longevity.

Summer guidelines for safeguarding your hearing aids

With a few practical practices, you can keep your hearing aids secure, dry, and working at their best, regardless of your summer plans are.

1. Safeguard your hearing aids from water

  • Take them out Before Swimming or Showering: Always take out your hearing aids before swimming, showering, or any water exposure. To stop water from getting into your ears, think about using swim caps or waterproof earplugs.
  • Dry After Exposure: Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe your devices if they get wet. Never utilize heat sources like hair dryers to dry them.
  • Air Out Overnight: Open the battery compartments and store hearing aids in a drying container or dehumidifier overnight to remove moisture accumulation.

2. Control sweating during exercise

  • Consider using sweatbands or headbands to absorb excess sweat and shield your ears and hearing devices while exercising or doing tasks outside.
  • Keep Ears Clean and Dry: Routinely dry your ears completely before reinserting hearing aids to prevent moisture transfer.

3. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene

  • Frequent Cleaning Routine: Clean your hearing aids every day with disinfectant wipes made for electronics or hearing devices to reduce bacteria growth due to heat and sweat.
  • Routinely Check and Clean Your Devices: It’s essential to periodically inspect your devices for any accumulation of debris, such as dust, dirt, or earwax, and take the necessary measures to remove it. Expert cleanings by your hearing specialist every few months can avoid long-term damage.
  • Don’t forget to put your hearing aids in a cool, dry area when they are not being used. Be sure to keep them away from sunlight and high temperatures.

4. Monitor device function and get professional help

If you notice any changes in sound quality, feedback, or battery life during summer months, don’t wait to get in touch with your hearing care professional. They can carry out required maintenance or repairs to keep your hearing aids functioning smoothly.

Have a hassle-free summer with well-maintained hearing aids.

Summer is meant for making memories, not for stressing about your hearing aids. With mindful care and a few easy precautions, your devices can handle the heat, moisture, and outdoor elements, letting you enjoy every conversation, bird song, and splash with crystal-clear sound.

For expert guidance on safeguarding your hearing aids or to arrange a thorough check-up, book a consultation with a specialist at your earliest convenience. Enjoy your summer to the fullest, knowing your hearing aids are ready for any adventure.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.