Enjoying Summer Activities With Hearing Aids

Man holding grandson at family cookout waiting for grilled food to be done

You’re planning a really active summer. You’re definitely going to go to the beach and maybe take a swim. You’ll take in some live entertainment, you’ll get plenty of exercise jogging or perhaps playing some tennis, then it’s time to get to the grill. You’ll be busy! So it’s important that your hearing aids are ready.

All of these experiences can introduce unique hazards for your hearing aids, but there are a few simple ways you can protect these tiny, helpful devices and enjoy your summer at the same time.

Difficulties of hearing aids during the summer

With hearing aids, every season will come with unique obstacles. Climate and weather are the leading obstacles in the summer.

Summer-related challenges could include:

  • Wind: Your hearing aids can be pushed and pulled around by the wind if it’s strong enough. And if you’re in an extremely dry climate, wind can also introduce dust and debris into your hearing aids.
  • Debris, sand and dirt: During the summer you’re really active. But when you go to the beach, there’s a good possibility you might get some sand inside of your hearing aid, and that could cause issues.
  • Moisture: Whether it’s from humidity, swimming, rain, or simply sweat, moisture is nearly always present in the summer. Moisture can be harmful to hearing aids so that can present a challenge.

Generally, it’s fairly obvious why these issues are more prevalent in the summer months: you spend more time outside. And when you spend more time outside, you’re more likely to encounter a strong gust of wind or a flash rainstorm.

How to keep your hearing aids working great all summer

Your hearing aids are made to enhance your quality of life, to allow you to do more. So over the course of the summer, the majority of people want to wear their hearing aids as frequently as they can. This means doing a few extra things to take care of the technology and make sure your hearing aids keep working.

Keeping your hearing aids dry

Water will damage electronics and the more advanced the electronics, the worse the possible damage. There are a couple of ways you can protect against moisture:

  • Don’t go swimming while wearing your hearing aids. Beach day? Sweet! Just remove your hearing aids first. Of course, most people already do this. So the real danger is the moisture in your ears that lingers after you go into the water. That’s why you should consider wearing a swim cap and earplugs when you go in the water. This can help keep your ears (and thus your hearing aids) quite dry.
  • Keep a microfiber towel handy. That way, you can dry your hearing aids throughout the day. This stops wetness from building up when you aren’t paying attention.
  • When you’re performing an activity that will cause you to sweat, wear a sweatband. Your hearing aids will stay nice and dry because sweat can’t get to them.
  • Air dry your hearing aids while you sleep by opening the battery door. This will help prevent damage caused by corrosion of the battery.
  • Thoroughly dry your ears. Make sure you aren’t accidentally transferring moisture from your ears to your hearing aids.

Regularly clean your hearing aids

Heat and moisture 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 cool and dry place. That’s because hearing aids (generally) don’t like exposure to heat and direct sunlight. So keep them off your dashboard when it’s hot. Alternatively, when you’re not wearing them, store your hearing aids in a dry, cool spot.
  • Routinely disinfect your hearing aids. You can do this with specially produced antibacterial and disinfectant wipes.
  • Watch for the long-term build-up of debris. You can take a little time to clear away any debris on your hearing aids while you sanitize them. Sooner or later, it’s probably also a good idea to have your hearing aids professionally cleaned.

Be happy, stay active, hear well

Your hearing aids will be there for you for a lifetime and they will improve your summer months especially. There’s a way to keep your hearing aids dry and in good working order whether you’re hiking, swimming, or simply taking an evening stroll around your neighborhood.

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.

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