Digital Hearing Aids and Summer: Do’s and Don’ts

09-01-2020

Digital Hearing Aids for the Summer Use

The summer season can be a wonderful time of year, but it also means putting a little extra effort into the care of your hearing aids. With warm temperatures, an increase in outdoor activities, and plenty of on-the-go fun, summertime presents some unique challenges to hearing aids.

As you might already know, the two biggest enemies of your hearing aids are heat and moisture – and in the hot, humid months of summer, those are both in generous supply. But that doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on summertime; in fact, caring for hearing aids in summer can be simple with a few quick tips.

Here’s everything you need to know about the do’s and don’ts of hearing aid care during the summer:

DO: Regularly Dry Out your hearing aids to avoid moisture

Between the climbing temperatures and extra humidity, most of us find ourselves sweating more during the summertime. Your sweat, combined with the extra moisture in the humid air, can damage your hearing aids over time.

A dry aid kit can be an effective, easy way to make sure that excess moisture is removed from your hearing aids. Every night, when you remove your hearing aids, simply place them in the dry aid kit. If you don’t have a dry aid kit, take an extra moment to wipe off any visible moisture buildup. If possible, open up the battery door, so that fresh air can circulate through each device overnight.

DO: Give your hearing aids an extra-careful cleaning after hitting the beach

Sand has a sneaky habit of getting into the tiniest cracks and crevices, and that includes your ears and hearing aids. After you spend the day at the beach (or on the sandy shores of your favorite lake), it’s important to remove any grains of sand from your hearing aids.

Use a small bristle brush to gentle wipe down your hearing aids, including the ear molds and domes. Ideally, this cleaning should be done as soon as possible after your beach fun is done. If you’re unable to remove all of the sand, a can of compressed air (designed for use with electronics) can be a useful method.

DO: Store your hearing aids properly

Proper hearing aid storage should be a year-round priority, but especially during summer. Use a high-quality protective case to keep your hearing aids from getting lost or damaged, and be sure to keep your hearing aids out of direct heat or sunlight when they are not in use. Don’t store your hearing aids in hot, humid places, such as your car’s glove box or dashboard.

DON’T: Lose your hearing aids during the active summer months

Many of us are far more active during the summer, soaking up the beautiful weather with outdoor activities such as long walks, hikes, boating trips, and more. However, if your hearing aids aren’t properly fitted or secured, you can easily lose them. 

Use hearing aid clips or lanyards to keep your hearing aids secure, and make sure they have been fitted by a professional audiologist for a proper, comfortable fit.

DON’T: Wear your hearing aids in the water

The cool, sparkling waters of a swimming pool are especially tempting in summer, but removing your hearing aids is a must before diving in. It takes just a few moments to put your hearing aids away before swimming, but this simple choice can save you a considerable amount of money, time, and stress.

Your hearing aids might be water-resistant, but they aren’t completely waterproof. Remember that showering or bathing with hearing aids is also not generally recommended.

DON’T: Apply sunscreen while wearing your hearing aids

Many of the basic ingredients in sunscreen are oil-based, which can damage many different parts of your hearing aids. Particularly when you’re putting sunscreen on your face, it’s all too easy to accidentally rub up against your hearing aids.

Apply your sunscreen lotion or spray before inserting your hearing aids, in order to avoid getting any oil in open seams, ports, or vents. Wash or wipe down your hands before handling your hearing aids to minimize any chance of transfer.

Prioritize Your Hearing Health this Summer at Oliveira Audiology & Hearing Center

Located in the heart of Laredo, Oliveira Audiology & Hearing Center is a family-owned and operated practice that specializes in a wide range of hearing needs and issues for patients of all ages. With a highly-trained staff with more than 25 years of combined experience, our hearing center is prepared to evaluate, diagnose, and treat your hearing challenges

Instead of making the long drive to San Antonio or another large city, come to a hearing specialist that’s proudly called this community home for three decades. Schedule your hearing aid consultation or diagnostic hearing test by contacting our office today.

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Habby5


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