7 Tips for Keeping Your Hearing Aids Safe in the Summer Heat

As with a lot of technology, it’s important that you’re doing your best to maintain your hearing aids. They won’t last forever if you neglect to look after them, and in some cases, they can be more prone to damage than something like your phone, for example. Your hearing aids need to be kept clean and dry, but that’s not always an easy feat during the summer, which is why it’s recommended that you’re providing an extra layer of care for them during the warmer months of the year.

During the summer, your hearing aids will be exposed to a lot more moisture and dirt, it’s almost unavoidable, which won’t be a problem if you’re prepared to care for them. The trick to having them last a long time is by staying on top of the maintenance, and not leaving it until it’s too late.

Cover Them Up

Again, just the same with most of your devices, covering them up might be a good option to keep them protected during the summer. You can try using hearing aid covers that help to keep them protected from dirt and water, without having much of an effect on how they sound. You might expect putting a cover over them to ruin or muffle the sound, but a quality cover does a good job of keeping out things like dirt and moisture without affecting the overall function.

In the event that your hearing aids are exposed to more dirt, moisture or sweat than usual, you can feel safe knowing that they’re protected by your hearing aid covers or protectors.

Act Fast

If you’re used to your usual routine of cleaning once a day, or less, now might be the time to increase that. If you notice that your hearing aids have been exposed to a lot of moisture, don’t hesitate to clean them as soon as possible. The longer you leave them in their condition, the more risk you’re putting them at. While some models of hearing aids are waterproof, they’re not completely water resistant. Act quickly, take them out and make sure they’re properly dried. Your ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist will be able to show you how to clean your hearing aids.

Be Careful Around Beaches

Everyone likes spending the day on the beach every now and then, especially during the summer, but understand that the sand poses a risk to your hearing aids. Sand and similar-natured dirt can pose a risk for your hearing aids, as they can easily get in and clog up or damage the devices. If you’re planning a day at the beach, it would be better to either make sure you bring hearing aid protectors or store them in a case.

Be Cautious Around Strong Heat

While it’s not healthy to be out in the summer heat all day every day if you’re going to be – then know that your hearing aids might be damaged if they’re exposed to too much heat. The external components of some models of hearing aids, like behind the ear (BTE), can damage or melt if left in the sun for too long. Try to make sure you’re spending as much time in the shade as possible, or covering them with a hat to keep the sun off of them.

Plan Ahead

As mentioned before, sand, moisture and too much heat can damage your hearing aids, which is why it’s important that you’re taking your hearing devices into consideration when you’re making your plans. No one wants to be stuck inside all summer, and you don’t have to be! If you make sure you’ve got a plan to protect your hearing aids wherever you go, you can ensure that they’re not damaged when you’re out having a great time.

Bring Somewhere to Store Them

If you’re on the beach or are thinking of taking a swim, you’re going to need somewhere safe to store your hearing aids to keep them from getting damaged. No matter where you go, make sure you’ve got a cool, dry place to keep them. Leaving them somewhere damp, or out in the sun is very risky – so keep that in mind before you leave the house.

Sunscreen First, Hearing Aids Second

It’s easy to do it without thinking, but applying sunscreen should be done before you put your hearing aids in. While it might only seem like a small amount of moisture, it’s not worth risking your hearing aids for the few moments it takes to put sunscreen on.

If you have any questions about protecting your hearing aids or want to know what you can do to keep them safe when out of your ear get in touch with ENT Physicians Inc. Call us today (419) 318-4987 to be in touch with one or out ENTs.