7 Tips for Keeping Your Hearing Aids Safe in the Summer Heat

Summertime can pose unique challenges for people who rely on hearing aids. The hot and humid weather can affect the performance and lifespan of your hearing aids if they are not properly protected. Therefore, taking extra precautions to keep your devices safe and functional becomes crucial. Here are seven essential tips audiologists recommend helping you safeguard your hearing aids during the scorching summer months.

Store Hearing Aids in a Cool, Dry Place

Extreme heat and humidity can adversely affect your hearing aids’ delicate electronic components. It is, therefore, advisable to store them in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or in hot environments like parked cars. It’s noteworthy that indoor light sources like your lampshade can damage your hearing aids. These decorative light pieces generate a lot of heat, especially when fitted with high-wattage bulbs. Therefore, keeping your hearing devices close to one is not advised. If you have to remove your aids for any reason at all, they must be stored in a protective case or a dehumidifier box.

Be Wary of Sweat and Moisture

With summer already here, you will likely be sweating a lot more. However, it is in your best interest to protect your hearing aids, as sweat and moisture are capable of causing significant damage to your hearing devices. Due to their potential threat, you must take stringent measures to keep your hearing aids safe from harm. Remember to regularly wipe away sweat or moisture from your hearing aids when you feel hot.

A soft, dry cloth will be adequate for that. Look for moisture-resistant covers or sweatbands to provide extra protection, especially during outdoor activities or exercises in summer. It is impossible to avoid wearing your hearing aids in the summer for fear of damaging them.

Use Sunscreen and Cosmetics with Caution

The sticky residue sunscreen leaves behind are why you must apply them cautiously. This cosmetic can reduce the sound quality or block the devices’ attached microphones. The ideal way is to apply your sunscreen is before putting in your hearing devices. Make sure to wipe or wash your hands before touching your hearing aids. Even when you must reapply your sunscreen, the best thing to do is to remove your devices.

The same applies to other cosmetics and sprays. These substances may also contain ingredients that may damage the material your hearing device is made from. A key tip is to ensure that these cosmetics are thoroughly dry on your skin before inserting your hearing devices.

Invest In Waterproof or Water-Resistant Hearing Aids

With summer comes the intense appeal of water activities like pool parties, beach visits and water sports. Therefore, consider your options if you anticipate participating in water-based activities. You have the choice to invest in waterproof or water-resistant hearing aids. These are specialized devices designed to withstand exposure to moisture and sweat. That means you can dip in a pool and may not have to worry about damaging your devices. It is, however, important not to overdo it as the hearing aids could still get damaged. It would help to book an appointment with your audiologist to explore suitable options for your lifestyle and preferences.

Protect Your Hearing Aids from Sand and Dust

More dust and sand in summer is due to high winds moving across dry areas. As these winds move, they infiltrate your hearing aids and cause malfunctions. The tiny fine sand particles can get lodged in the internal components, negatively impacting sound quality. So, if you have to be in a high-wind location during summer, it may be helpful to use protective ear covers to safeguard your hearing aids.

Consider Your Surroundings Before Wearing Your Device

It is not surprising that you have activities lined up for summer. Like everyone else, you want to enjoy the warmer months before the cold season returns. However, you must be aware of certain decisions, like where you’re going and what you intend to do. If the environment makes you concerned about the safety of your hearing devices.

Open the Battery Door of Non-Rechargeable Devices

It is best to do this at night when retiring to bed, giving your hearing aids ample time to cool down and dissipate trapped internal heat. However, on any other unusually warm day, it is advisable to also open the battery door of your non-rechargeable hearing aids. It’s best to do this indoors where it’s likely cooler. Your device may have trapped some moisture within due to the hot weather. Therefore, keeping the door open allows circulating air to dry any internal condensation.

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