Hearing Aid Use Tips for Summer
With temperatures climbing and humidity making its unwelcome return to the Kansas City area, there’s no question that summer is here. While lots of fun opportunities come with the warm weather—vacations, 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, functioning shape. Associated Audiologists provides 10 tips for keeping your hearing aids clean, dry and in perfect working condition over the summer.
1: Visit an Audiology Professional
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: Check Your Inner Ears for Wax Buildup
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: Confirm Your Hearing Aid 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: Proactively Protect Your Hearing Aids While Traveling
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 Your Hearing Aids 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: Avoid Exposing Your Hearing Aids to Moisture
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: Don’t Wear Hearing Aids in or Near Water
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, sealed plastic bag before you dive in.
8: Apply Sunscreen and Insect Repellant Before Hearing Aids
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: Protect Your Hearing Aids from Extreme Temperatures
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 hearing aid 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: Contact Associated Audiologists for Hearing Aid Help
Unfortunately, accidents are unavoidable! If you accidentally get your hearing aids wet: Dry them off immediately with a clean cloth. Remove disposable batteries and allow the battery chambers to dry. Do not place hearing aids in an oven, microwave, or use other appliances to dry them—high heat causes damage. If your hearing aids do not work after being thoroughly dried, give Associated Audiologists a call, or request an appointment online today for expert hearing aid help and repair. Associated Audiologists features eight clinics, conveniently located within Overland Park, Shawnee Mission, Prairie Village, Leavenworth, Lawrence and Manhattan in Kansas; and Independence and Kansas City in Missouri. All Associated Audiologists 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!
