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

“Many of us look forward to the warm summer months, but the heat can pose problems for hearing aid users. If you wear hearing aids, it’s important to understand the impact of hot weather and take steps to protect your hearing aids. In this guide, we’ll share some top tips to ensure your hearing aids survive the summer.”

~ Mary Sohler, AU.D., LIC.-A, CCC-A

How Does Warm Weather Affect Hearing Aids?

The summer can be problematic if you wear hearing aids because the devices are sensitive to heat and excess moisture. During the hotter months, when it’s humid and we tend to head to the beach or go swimming more frequently, there’s a higher risk of damage. Intense heat can affect the internal workings of the hearing aid, as well as the casing and the batteries. Exposure to moisture can also affect performance and longevity. If you’re going for a dip and you’re taking your hearing aids out, it’s important to store them in a sealed case and place it in the shade.

The summer heat poses problems for hearing aid users, but there are lots of ways to reduce risks and keep hearing aids safe. If you need advice, or you have any questions, your audiologist will be able to help. As we look forward to spending time outside, soaking up the sunshine and going on vacation, here are seven tips for the summer.

Remove Your Hearing Aids for Swimming

Most of us like to venture into the swimming pool or cool down in the ocean when it’s hot outside. If you enjoy swimming, or you’re on vacation and you want to go snorkeling or paddle in the sea, always remove your hearing aids first. If your hearing aids get wet, this can damage them. Take your hearing aids out, put them in a safe, secure box or container and keep the box out of direct sunlight.

Keep Your Hearing Aids in a Cool, Dry Place

When you remove your hearing aids, place them in a suitable case in a dry, cool place. Avoid leaving your hearing aids out on surfaces or exposing them to direct sunlight or moisture. If you’re sunbathing at a resort, for example, take your hearing aids out and put the container in your bag in the shade or take them back to your room.

Apply Sun Lotion Before You Put Your Hearing Aids In

Sun lotion is essential for protecting your skin and preventing sunburn, but it can clog hearing aids, affecting their performance. If you’re out in the sun, you’re going to the beach or you have an afternoon in the backyard planned, apply sunscreen before you put your hearing aids in. This will help to reduce the risk of lotion getting into the components. Apply the same rules for insect repellant.

Clean and Disinfect Your Hearing Aids Frequently

It can be more difficult to keep your hearing aids clean during the summer. Most of us spend more time outdoors when it’s bright and sunny, and we’re more likely to explore forests, lakes, parks and beaches. If you’re out and about, it’s crucial to clean and disinfect your hearing aids frequently. When you get home, wipe your hearing aids and check the parts. Use disinfectant wipes to make sure your hearing aids are clean before placing them in your ears.

Use a Dehumidifier

During the summer, it’s common to go in and out of spaces that are warm and humid or cool thanks to air conditioning. Changes in temperature and humidity can cause you to sweat and they may also lead to condensation forming in your hearing aids. Using a dehumidifier helps to remove moisture from the air, which protects hearing aids.

Use Hearing Aid Covers

If you have behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid, it’s a good idea to buy hearing aid covers for summer. These covers or sheaths are designed to protect the devices from debris, dirt, sweat, dust and moisture.

Take Your Hearing Aids Out for Adventurous Activities

Summer is a time when many of us enjoy going to theme parks or planning days out in the great outdoors with friends and family members. If you’re looking forward to enjoying the thrills and spills of roller coasters, you’re organizing a surf trip or you’re going river rafting or rock climbing, take your hearing aids out. Thrill rides and adrenaline-pumping activities can result in hearing aids coming loose and falling out.

Summer is a wonderful time of year, but it can pose risks for hearing aid users. This summer, follow these tips to protect your hearing aids from the heat. Store them in a cool, dry place, reduce exposure to sunlight and moisture, use a dehumidifier and protective covers and keep your hearing aids clean. If you need any advice, or you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact your audiologist.

For more information about hearing aids, get in touch with our friendly team at Bluegrass Hearing Clinic by calling us today at (859) 295-5729.