With summer almost upon us, the time is now to think about what special activities are coming your way. Whether you are an outdoorsy type who loves to get active in the wilderness or more likely to enjoy a picnic in a park, the summer months bring lots of opportunity to enjoy family and friends with special activities. When you think ahead to these summer experiences, you will want to be sure you can get the most out of them. Hearing aids make it possible not only to enjoy the sonic environment of a forest retreat or an outdoor concert but also to communicate easily with loved ones while you take part. What can you do to make sure you get the most out of your hearing aids in these summer activities? The following are a few helpful reminders of what you can do to keep your hearing aids working their very best, no matter where you find yourself this summer.
Protection from Moisture
Today’s hearing aids are remarkably equipped to withstand the elements, and you won’t need to worry about weather protection in most settings. For instance, if you wear your hearing aids outdoors on a mild, sunny day, you shouldn’t need to be concerned about their functionality. However, hearing aids remain susceptible to damage from moisture, heat, and debris in some circumstances. First of all, if you are caught wearing your hearing aids in a rainstorm, you might expose them to some moisture that can harm the fragile internal components. Similarly, if you wear your hearing aids while boating or taking part in other water sports, then you might get some splashes onto your devices that might do harm. In these cases, the first step is to dry your hearing aids with a clean, soft cloth as soon as possible. This surface treatment might be enough to prevent moisture from getting into the internal components. However, if your aids are subjected to more serious fluid exposure, you might need to take steps to dry them more thoroughly. Hearing aid dryers are available on the consumer market, and these devices can safely eliminate moisture from the internal components. Some people have had luck placing their hearing aids in a sealed plastic bag of uncooked rice overnight. The rice can absorb moisture that seeped into your aids. If these tricks don’t do the job, you can contact our offices for assistance or the hearing aid manufacturer directly. Some people who live in very humid climates need to place their hearing aids in a dryer overnight to keep the moisture in the air from corroding the internal wires and other metal components, so that device can be a worthwhile investment.
Protection from Heat and Debris
Moisture is not the only risk to your hearing aids in the summer months. Extreme heat can cause damage to some hearing aids, as well, so take care to keep them as cool as possible. One of the greatest risks is a hot car in the sun. Without a window to allow cooler air to circulate, a car can reach dangerously high temperatures. Storing your hearing aids out of direct sunlight is a must, and you can even play it safe by bringing them with you into a store or other cool location rather than leaving them in the car. If you notice that your aids are hot, make sure to place them in a shaded, cool place before using them again, allowing the devices to return to a safe temperature. Debris, such as sand and dirt, can be another environmental hazard of your hearing aids in the summer. If your aids are exposed to such substances, simply begin by wiping them down with a clean, soft cloth. This simple maintenance solution might be enough to solve your problem. If you find that you need more advanced assistance, our hearing health professionals are here to assist you with general maintenance and can point you toward a certified repair specialist in more serious situations. If you don’t yet have the assistance you need to hear, communicate, and enjoy summer activities this year, then the time is now to contact us for a hearing test and a recommendation of the treatment that is right for you.