Summer is synonymous with sun-filled vacations by the beach, pool or lake. But if you wear hearing aids, heat humidity and water all pose threats to hearing aids. Here are nine tips to help you keep your hearing aids going all summer long!
It’s July in the Midwest. Not many places get hotter or more humid during the summer months. If you wear hearing aids, that summer heat and humidity also can be a threat to them. So, what can you do to keep your hearing aids performing at peak condition, whether you’re staying here or traveling to a water-side escape? These tips can help keep your hearing aids in top working order so you hear your best this summer.
- Check in with your audiologist. If your summer plans include a vacation near water, check in with your audiologist before leaving to be sure your hearing aids are in top form, and that your ears are ready for some fun in the sun. 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 remove the wax and clean your hearing aids so you’re ready to go.
- Do you need a warranty? Is the loss and damage warranty up on your hearing aids? If your hearing aids are in good working order, you may want to see if you can extend the warranty coverage. This could help reduce the expense of replacing a hearing aid that’s damaged by water or lost on vacation.
- Traveling to the water? 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.
- Stay dry. Any form of moisture, even sweat, can be damaging to hearing aids, but one of the best ways to keep your hearing aids dry and performing well is to use a dehumidifier. These devices can range from simple jars equipped with desiccant pellets to more sophisticated 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.
- 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 when you return from a day of summer fun. If necessary, use a small bristle brush to ensure all particles are removed.
- Don’t jump in. 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 water proof! 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.
- Be careful with sunscreen and insect repellent. 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 BEFORE you put your hearing aids in. This reduces the chances of getting these products on the microphones or in the battery compartment.
- Avoid the heat! 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 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 hat when outside to protect your hearing aids and your ears from the sun.
- Accidents happen. Sometimes, you’re just having so much fun, you forget your hearing aids and jump in the pool instead. If that happens and 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, and place your hearing aids in a hearing aid dehumidifier. Or, if you don’t have a dehumidifier, you can try to dry them out for 24-48 hours in a bowl of uncooked rice. DON’T 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.
Associated Audiologists understands that accidents happen. Our eight clinics located in Overland Park, Shawnee Mission, Prairie Village, Leavenworth, Lawrence and Manhattan in Kansas; and Independence and Kansas City in Missouri, offer urgent hearing aid repairs, utilize professional hearing aid drying systems and provide same-day service whenever possible. We also offer drop boxes for the convenience of our patients.