10 tips for hearing aid users during warm weather months
With temperatures climbing and humidity making its unwelcome return, there’s no question that summer is here. While lots of fun opportunities come with the warm weather — vacations at the beach, lazy days at the lake, or lounging by the pool — hearing aid users need to take a few extra steps to keep their devices safe and their ears in good shape in these water-rich environments.
Here are 10 tips for keeping your hearing aids clean, dry and working great during the summer.
1. Come see your audiologist.
If your summer plans include a vacation near water or visits to the swimming pool, check in with your audiologist before heading out to be sure your hearing aids are in top form, and that your ears are ready for some fun in the sun.
2. Do a wax check.
Your audiologist can check your ears for wax. This is important because some people produce more ear wax than usual during the summer months. If that’s the case for you, your audiologist can safely remove the wax and clean your hearing aids so you’re ready to go.
3. Update your warranty.
Summer is a good time to check whether the loss and damage warranty on your hearing aids is still in effect. If your hearing aids are in good working order, you may want to see if you can extend the warranty coverage before any travels. This could help reduce the expense of replacing a hearing aid with water damage or that gets lost on vacation.
4. Pack like a champ.
If you’re traveling to the beach, lake, or another body of water, make yourself a hearing aid travel kit. Include items like a hard or waterproof case, extra batteries or your charger, a dryer, cleaning kit, domes and wax guards. That way, you’ll be equipped to keep your hearing aids in good working order.
5. Keep ‘em clean!
Sand, dust and grit can get in your hearing aids and keep them from working properly. To keep them clean, wipe your hearing aids, earmolds and domes down with a clean, dry cloth when you return from a day of summer fun or have been out working in the yard or garden. If necessary, use a small bristle brush to ensure all particles are removed. Do not use harsh chemicals or cleaning products not designed for hearing aids.
6. Dry is best.
Any form of moisture, even sweat, can be damaging to hearing aids. One of the best ways to keep your hearing aids dry and working well is to use a dehumidifier. These devices can range from simple jars equipped with desiccant pellets to more high-tech electronic dryers with UV disinfecting features. Getting into the habit of using a dehumidifier every night can be a great way to remove moisture quickly and efficiently from your hearing aids when you aren’t wearing them.
7. Look before you leap!
Remove your hearing aids before jumping into a pool, lake, or other body of water. That’s because even though most hearing aids are
water resistant, very few are waterproof! We see hearing aids ruined every summer when someone takes a plunge in the pool with them on, so to be sure to keep them safe. Take them out and leave them at home, or put them in a pouch, hard plastic container or a sealed plastic bag for safekeeping before you dive in.
8. Take care with sunscreen and bug spray.
Sunscreens and insect repellents are slick and oily and can easily get on or in your hearing aids. To avoid a problem, put your sunscreen or insect repellent on first, wash your hands, then put your hearing aids in. This reduces the chances of getting these products on the microphones or in the battery compartment.
9. Stay cool.
Extreme temperatures can actually damage hearing aids. Don’t leave your hearing aids sitting in direct sunlight or in high temperatures, like on the dash or in the glove box of your car. High temperatures also can destroy traditional batteries, as well as rechargeable batteries and chargers. Instead, store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when they aren’t in use, and wear a wide-brimmed hat when outside to protect your hearing aids and your ears from the sun.
10. Accidents happen.
Sometimes, you’re just having so much fun, you forget your hearing aids and jump in the pool instead. Here’s what to do if you get your hearing aids wet:
- Dry them off with a clean cloth immediately.
- If your hearing aids use disposable batteries, open the doors and remove them so the chambers can dry out. Throw the wet batteries away.
- Place your hearing aids in a hearing aid dehumidifier. If you don’t have a dehumidifier, you can try to dry them out for 24-48 hours in a bowl of uncooked rice. However, do not put them in the oven, microwave or use a blow dryer on them. High temperatures can cause even more damage.
- If your hearing aids still aren’t working, contact your audiologist for assessment and possible repairs or replacement.
When accidental damage occurs, we’re here to help. Associated Audiologists has eight clinics located in Overland Park, Shawnee Mission, Prairie Village, Leavenworth, Lawrence and Manhattan in Kansas; and Independence and Kansas City in Missouri. All our locations offer urgent hearing aid repairs, have professional hearing aid drying systems and provide same-day service whenever possible. We also offer drop boxes for the convenience of our patients.
