As summer rushes by, it won’t be long before the crisp fall air starts to settle in. The changing seasons not only bring shifts in weather but also in how you should care for your hearing aids. With more than 10% of people in the United States living with hearing loss, and a large portion of those people benefitting from hearing aids, it’s essential to know how to protect your devices throughout the year.
While you’re enjoying the last of summer’s warmth, it’s an excellent time to learn how different seasons can impact your hearing aids and how to safeguard them effectively.
How Do Warm Seasons Affect Your Hearing Aids?
Spring and summer are full of warm weather, swimming fun, pouring rainstorms, beautiful hikes through the Cherokee Park Loops and more. While these adventures are exciting, they can pose risks to your hearing aids, including exposure to water, sweat, dirt, overheating and potential physical damage. To ensure your devices remain in top condition, implement a few of these protective strategies:
- If rain is in the forecast, carry an umbrella or wear a raincoat to protect your devices
- Remove your devices before swimming and store them in a protective case away from water
- Connect your hearing aids to your shirt with a special clip during outdoor adventures to prevent loss and damage
- Clean your devices nightly to remove wax, sweat, dirt and other gunk
- Place your hearing aids in a dehumidifier or drying jar after sweaty or rainy days
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat outdoors, carry an umbrella and avoid leaving your hearing aids in hot places like cars or windowsills to minimize heat and direct sun exposure
How Do Cool Seasons Affect Your Hearing Aids?
As the temperatures drop in the fall and winter, increased condensation, battery drainage and snow can damage your devices. Consider the following tips to protect your hearing aids:
- If you notice dampness or malfunctions, store your hearing aids in drying jars or dehumidifiers overnight to prevent damage
- Check your battery levels before heading out every morning and carry spare batteries with you in case of need
- Never store hearing aids or batteries in your car
- When playing around in the snow, wear earmuffs, a scarf or hearing aid covers over your devices to protect them from damage or loss
With these few simple tips, you can keep your devices safe regardless of the season. For more information on how to care for your hearing aids or to schedule a repair, contact Heuser Hearing Institute today to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.