Looking after your hearing aid this summer

Summer appears to be finally here. Many people look forward to this time of year because it gives them the opportunity to indulge in activities requiring warm, sunny days, like swimming, walking, cycling, and travelling.

Wearing hearing aids shouldn’t keep you from enjoying yourself, but it is important to remember exposure to high heat can damage their outer casings and interior components. Therefore, whether you plan to spend your days basking in the sun by the beach or pool, or visiting exotic destinations, you should prepare to keep your hearing aids safe and functioning.

Avoid extreme temperature changes. The plastic outer shells of hearing aids can melt if exposed directly to intense sunlight for long periods or in extreme heat, such as inside a car parked in a sweltering outdoor lot. Conversely, your hearing aids’ inner workings are more at risk from significant changes in temperature rather than heat or sun exposure specifically. This is because moisture condenses within the hearing aid as you go from a cool, air-conditioned environment into the hot outdoors, especially if you go back and forth repeatedly. As for hearing aid batteries, they are likely to fail if exposed to high heat for more than a short amount of time.

Here are two “dont’s” and one “do” for protecting your hearing aids from excessive heat:

• Don’t leave hearing aids lying out in direct sunlight
• Don’t leave hearing aids locked in a glove box or sitting on the dashboard
• Do store hearing aid batteries in a cool, dry place

Sun cream: good for you, not so much for your hearing aids. While it is important to protect your skin from the sun’s rays, you could inadvertently damage your hearing aids by doing so. Sun creams and sprays can clog vents and damage other components. It is advisable to put on sunscreen before you put in your hearing aids.

The difference between “waterproof” and “water-resistance” matters. You may have water-resistant hearing aids but understand this does not mean they can be submerged in the ocean or a pool. Water-resistant hearing aids help if you’re perspiring in the summer sun. However, if you jump into a lake wearing them, water will get inside through the microphone or other vents and they will be ruined.

Keep in mind:

• Don’t wear non-waterproof hearing aids if you’re going swimming, or anywhere else where it is likely they will get drenched
• Do make sure you know whether your hearing aids are waterproof or water-resistant
• Do invest in a dehumidifier pot to remove moisture from your hearing aids [link takes you to an external website]

This summer enjoy listening to the sound of the BBQ sizzling, children playing in the garden, and the birds singing in the trees. Just follow these simple do’s and dont’s to make sure your hearing aids keep up with your summertime lifestyle.