Tips for Protecting Your Hearing Aids During Summer
While taking care of your hearing aids is important year-round, summer brings its own set of challenges. Your devices can experience a lot of wear and tear in summer, so it is important to protect them to keep them working well.
Why Summer is Tough on Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are electronics, meaning they can be affected by typical summer conditions like heat, moisture, and sweat. These can affect how well your hearing aid works. Although they are made to be durable, they are still sensitive electronics and need special care when exposed to the weather.
With the higher temperatures, you sweat more than in other times of the year. Understanding how sweat and hearing aids interact is key. Sweat can seep into openings and lead to corrosion or malfunctions.
Other common summer-related issues include:
- Moisture buildup causes static or sound distortion
- Reduced battery life due to heat
- Dust or dirt clogging microphones and receivers
Hearing Aid Care Tips for Summer
Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
Moisture, whether from sweat or humidity, is a major threat to hearing aids in the summer. To keep them dry, use a drying kit or dehumidifier, wipe them with a soft cloth after outdoor use, and store them in a cool, dry place.
Use a Hearing Aid Case
Having a carrying case is essential for protecting your hearing aids when they’re not in use. This can prevent dust buildup, accidental drops, and exposure to moisture. Choose a waterproof or hard-shell case if you're traveling or spending time near water.
Clean Your Hearing Aids Regularly
Regular cleaning is essential because dirt, oil, and sweat can affect your hearing aids. Keeping your hearing aids clean helps maintain both hygiene and functionality. To keep them working well and avoid damage, gently wipe the outside with a microfiber cloth, use a small brush to remove dirt, and sanitize with alcohol-free hearing aid wipes.
Try Sweat-Proof Accessories
Sweat-resistant covers or sleeves protect your devices from moisture. They are useful during workouts or hot summer days. Popular choices are hearing aid sweatbands, silicone covers, and sports clips. These help keep your devices safe and dry while you exercise.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Leaving your hearing aids in the sun can cause them to overheat. Prolonged exposure may even warp the plastic or affect battery life. When not in use, keep your hearing aids in a shaded area or inside their case. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or a hot vehicle.
Change Batteries More Frequently
The batteries in your hearing aids need to be changed or replaced more often during summer. Heat can drain the battery, causing sudden power loss. Carrying extra batteries or using rechargeable hearing aids can help you avoid being without them when the battery dies.
Remove Hearing Aids Before Swimming
Water can damage hearing aids, so it's important to remove them before swimming or showering. Before engaging in any water-related activities, store your devices in a dry, protective case to keep them safe.
Stay On Top of Regular Maintenance and Check-Ups
Even with daily care, hearing aids need regular professional maintenance. This is especially true in summer when they face more heat and humidity. A quick check-up after summer can help prevent future problems, enhance your device's performance, and ensure it stays in top condition year-round.
Hearing aid maintenance includes:
- Professional deep cleaning
- Battery checks and replacements
- Charger inspection for rechargeable models
- Microphone and receiver performance testing
- Tubing or dome replacements, if applicable
- Firmware or software updates
- Fit and sound quality adjustments
- Troubleshoot and repair existing issues
Keep Your Hearing Aids in Good Condition All Summer Long with Beltone DFW
Caring for your hearing aids in summer helps you hear better. This is important when you are outdoors a lot. It also keeps your hearing aids in good shape. Taking a few precautions can make all the difference in summer hearing aid protection.
Need help getting your hearing aids summer-ready? Visit any of Beltone DFW’s hearing aid centers in Dallas-Fort Worth for expert care, personalized support, and peace of mind.
