As summer approaches, the weather in Greenville has been getting noticeably warmer, which means it’s time to protect yourself from the heat. As you prepare your AC unit, stock up on sunscreen and rotate in your summer wardrobe, don’t forget about your hearing aids.
How Summer Weather Affects Hearing Aids
Seasonal weather changes and extreme temperatures can impact the performance of your devices. Exposure to extreme heat can melt plastic and damage electrical components inside the hearing aid. Moisture from humidity and summer storms can damage the circuitry and the battery. Windy days can blow sand and dust into delicate ports or the microphone. Your hearing aids are truly exposed to the elements at times.
Strategies for Protecting Your Hearing Aids
To properly care for your hearing aids this summer, we have compiled the following guide.
- Stay on top of your cleaning regimen. Not only will a daily cleaning before bed keep most damage from moisture or dust at bay, but it also gives you an opportunity to give your hearing aids a once-over to check for damage.
- Dehumidify frequently. Use a hearing aid dryer or dehumidifier every day to remove most of the moisture buildup.
- Store smartly. If you have to take your hearing aids out for any reason, be mindful not to leave them anywhere that gets direct sun exposure or where they can get wet or get sand on them. Instead, stash them in a secure hearing aid case and put the case somewhere safe, dry and shady.
- Use protective accessories. Hearing aid accessories, such as hearing aid sleeves, or even accessories from your closet, such as a sweatband, can block or absorb moisture before they reach your hearing aids. Accessories like a wide-brimmed hat can also protect from direct sun exposure.
- Apply products before you put in your hearing aids. Things like sunscreen and bug spray can be very harmful to your devices. The chemicals in these products may cause damage to the internal components, and furthermore, they can make your hearing aids sticky with residue, making it easier for dust and sand to get stuck on them. Take your hearing aids out to apply these products, and wait for them to absorb into your skin before reinserting your devices.
- Mind your own hands. If your hands are sweaty after spending a lot of time in the hot outdoors, wet after playing in the water or dirty after working in the garden, wash them off before you handle your hearing aids.
Signs the Heat Has Damaged Your Hearing Aids
If your hearing aids start acting up in any way, they may have been damaged by the weather conditions. You may notice things like muffled sound, distorted or “tinny” sound quality, volume issues or power issues. Raise any concerns you have to your audiologist right away before the problem gets worse. Call us today to schedule a hearing aid maintenance appointment, and we can give them a look.