With the summer comes sun, fun and plenty of hot weather adventure – but it also comes with brand new hazards for your hearing aids. Caring for your hearing aids is important year-round, but the summer months welcome particularly dangerous situations that could spell disaster for your aids. It’s important to be extra careful during this season to keep your hearing aids in great condition.
Well-functioning hearing aids come down to great maintenance and care. During the summer, follow these simple tips for hearing aid maintenance.
Beware of Water and Moisture
It’s not surprise that water and moisture is the arch enemy of hearing aids, just like it is for most electronics. Unless you have waterproof hearing aids, it’s important to take extra care during the summer months to avoid excessive moisture or environments where water damage is more likely.
Of course, one of these environments is around pools and sprinklers, where hearing aids should never go. But beyond swimming pools, other hazards include misters and excessive sweating – both common during the summer months. Before leaving the house with your aids, consider the likelihood that you’ll sweat more than usual or be in a place with misters or high humidity. If you think any of these are a risk, leave your aids safely stored at home.
If your aids do become wet, remember to remove the batteries and allow the aids to dry complete. But beware! Using heat like hair dryers or ovens to speed up the drying process is never a good idea. Let them dry on their own in a cool, dry place.
Avoid Dust and Dirt
During the summer, you’ll find more dust and dirt caused by monsoon storms. Just like water or moisture, dust and dirt can wreak havoc on your hearing aids’ performance and functionality, especially if it finds its way inside your hearing aids.
During the summer, make sure you have a way to store your hearing aids if you get caught outside during a dust storm. Also consider leaving your hearing aids at home during activities where you might come in contact with more dust than usual, such as hiking or camping.
If you aren’t able to avoid a dust storm – or if you’re in a dry environment that’s dustier than usual – bring along a small storage case for your aids. This will keep them both dry and clean, and if kept in a pocket or purse will also keep them cool!
Avoid Excessive Heat
Let’s be honest – it’s nearly impossible to avoid excessive heat during the summer months! But high heat can cause damage to your hearing aids if you aren’t careful, and it’s important to be mindful of those situations.
Some common pitfalls are leaving hearing aids in hot cars during the summer. Since temperatures inside a locked car in the sun can reach 180 degrees, this is almost like leaving your hearing aids in a hot oven! Instead, consider leaving your hearing aids at home if you’re heading somewhere that water or dust damage is possible.
Another common pitfall is leaving hearing aids in direct sunlight. Even in an air-conditioned home, this sunlight can heat hearing aids to dangerous levels that could cause damage. Instead, find a cool and dry place out of the sun and away from windows to store your aids.
Smart hearing aid maintenance is perhaps the most important thing you can do for your hearing health this summer – and we’re here to help! Our hearing specialists are experts in hearing aid maintenance and can help you get the most out of your aids. Contact our team for questions about aid maintenance or to find the perfect hearing aids for you.
Desert Valley Audiology is here to help
Contact our friendly staff at (702) 605-9133
8460 S. Eastern Ave
Suite #C
Henderson, NV 89074