Summer Maintenance Tips for Your Hearing Aids

The great British summertime is finally here, and it’s a time to live in the present and enjoy the simple things in life, like Mr Whippy ice creams. If you have hearing loss, knowing how to take good care of your hearing aids in the summer will ensure you get to enjoy these balmy days even more. Here are few tips for maintaining your hearing aids in these warmer months.

1) Watch out for moisture.

Despite what the weatherman says, the British summer can be a fickle beast and you might get caught in a sudden shower. Any form of moisture, including sweat, rain, water from pools, lakes or the sea -- can cause damage to your hearing aids, harming the microphone or corroding battery points. How to do this:

1. Be careful with your hearing aids around water. If you are hitting the water this summer, it is advisable to remove your hearing devices completely before jumping in. Salt water is especially damaging to hearing aids as it leaves crystals behind when it evaporates, and these crystals can corrode the device’s components.If you lounging near the pool, but not swimming, find a spot that is a bit farther away from the water and the diving boards. As an extra precaution, keep your hearing aids in a waterproof case while lounging poolside--just make sure the case is brightly colored so you don’t forget your hearing aids when you leave.

2. At night, store your hearing devices in a dehumidifying kit. Are you going on a tropical holiday this summer? Or simply taking the London Underground daily? Moisture buildup can happen easily in the summer, even if you’re not in contact with water. Sweat and high humidity climates are enemies to hearing aids, so when visiting these places, invest in an overnight drying kit to remove excess moisture at night. This kit will also come in handy if your hearing aids are accidentally exposed to water.

 

2) Protect your hearing aids from debris.

Sand, dirt and other debris, as well as sticky sprays (such as sunscreen and bug spray) can cause hearing aid problems by clogging the microphones, tubing and other important parts. These substances can also be corrosive and cause lasting damage to a hearing aid. So, whether you are taking advantage of those sunny days by lounging at the beach or digging in the garden, it’s important to keep your hearing aids clean and protected. How to do this:

1. Make sure your hands are clean before touching your hearing aids. If you need to touch your hearing aids for any reason while at the seaside, make sure to wash and dry your hands first. As sand is very destructive to hearing aids, you’ll also want to remove them before lying down on the sand. If you wear behind-the-ear hearing devices, you have the option of wearing neoprene a hearing aid protector such as Ear Gear-- a sleeve that fits nicely over your hearing aid and prevents dirt, debris, sweat and moisture from disrupting hearing aid function.

2. Take out your hearing aids before applying products. This simple step may add a couple of minutes to your pre-beach routine, but it will also help to ensure your devices’ longevity. Spray-on sunscreen and other sticky products can clog your hearing aid components, so be sure to allow any products you’ve applied to dry completely before re-inserting your devices. If you accidentally spray your hearing aids with bug spray or sunscreen, take them out and clean them thoroughly with the tools provided by your hearing care professional.

 

3) Keep your hearing aids cool.

In those fleeting British days when the mercury actually rises, our first thoughts go to making the most of the sunshine. But whether it be barbeques or beer gardens you seek, be sure to heed the following advice to protect your hearing devices from the heat. How to do this:

1. Don’t leave your hearing aids in the car. We’ve all heard the advice about not leaving children or pets in cars, and the same principle applies to your hearing aids. The heat might feel manageable enough outside, but even on moderately hot days, the temperature in a car can rise almost 7 degrees every ten minutes.  As heat builds in a vehicle, it can cause serious damage to both the casings and the batteries of your hearing devices. Your best bet? Take them with you.

2. Keep your hearing aids in the shade. There’s no better time for alfresco eating than in the summer. So, whether you are dining in the garden or picnicking in the park, if you are outdoors for a longer period of time, and you decide to remove your hearing aids, be sure to keep them in a safe, cool spot in the shade where they won’t become too hot. Just be sure to have them close to hand just in case you are chased by a park swan!

Summer offers an abundance of opportunities for outdoor fun, and there is no reason to avoid them. But make sure that your hearing doesn’t suffer as a result poorly functioning hearing aids that have been damaged by the elements. Keeping in mind the simple tips above will help you to keep your devices in tip-top shape.   If you need any additional advice about hearing aid care techniques or accessories, please don’t hesitate to contact us at House of Hearing--we’d be more than happy to help. Happy summer, and don’t forget the sunscreen!