Tips for Summer Time Maintenance for Your Hearing Aids

Summer time means long, hot nights, BBQs out back and hopefully a lot of opportunity to kick up your heels and relax. The heat that allows us to enjoy those things can pose some extra hazards for your hearing aids though. Here are some tips on how to ensure that your hearing aids are properly maintained this summer.

How moisture can affect your hearing aids

Moisture can degrade performance over time. Water can condense inside the hearing aid, which will then make the diameter of the hearing aid slightly smaller. This tiny change can lead to an increase in pitch and can change the quality of sound. That is why it’s important to avoid moisture as much as you can!

Avoiding moisture

Moisture is one of the most common ways hearing aids can become damaged. Condensation can build up through simply living in a humid environment, leaving your hearing aids in a sunny place or good old perspiration!

One of the best and easiest ways to avoid moisture build-up is through the use of a dehumidifier.

Dehumidifiers

Many companies offer dehumidifying units for your hearing aids. These products look a bit like a jar or a tube, but they have a desiccant in the bottom, which is similar to silica gel. They absorb moisture to keep your hearing aids dry. It’s easy to just pop them in before you go to sleep.

Dehumidifiers are reusable and are available from a variety of providers, including your local pharmacy. They range in price, so there is an option to fit everyone’s needs and budgets.

Dealing with sweaty summer days

Perspiration can create condensation within your hearing aids, which can in turn lead to problems with its functioning.

If you like to exercise, you can simply forgo your hearing aids when you’re working out. The same goes for yard work. Alternatively, you can buy latex covers or “sweat bands” that fit over your hearing aids. It won’t keep all moisture out but it will definitely help! You can also wear a headband – not only does it keep the sweat out of your eyes, but it will also keep it away from your hearing aids.

Storing your hearing aids in the summer and in extreme temperatures

Most people aren’t too fond of temperature extremes. Hearing aids are the same!

You should always store your hearing aids in cool, dry spaces. That is true anytime of the year, but it is most important in these hot summer months. That’s because extreme temperatures can create moisture in the hearing aid itself, which can cause damage to your device. High humidity can make the problem worse.

This tip may seem like a bit of a no-brainer, but it is really easy in the summer for the top of a dresser or a kitchen counter to become a suntrap for your hearing aids!

Where to store your hearing aids

Try to keep your hearing aids away from sunny windows or surfaces that you know might get a lot of sun (even if the window is closed). Don’t leave your hearing aids in the car – that includes the glove compartment!

If you like to tan in the backyard or at the pool, always remember to take your hearing aid off before you get cozy in the sun lounger. When you’re sleeping, it’s a good idea to keep your hearing aids in a case – a bedside drawer is a good option.

These useful tips don’t take much time or money – they are simple solutions to keeping your hearing aids at optimal performance, not only in these summer months but throughout the year.

Tips for Summer Time Maintenance for Your Hearing Aids