Summer can be hard on your hearing aids. Going from hot sunny summer conditions to the cold of indoor air conditioning can be a shock to hearing aids. Here we offer some tips and tricks to protect your hearing aids from the heat and humidity of Summer. Keep your aids in tiptop shape!

 The Summer Culprits

• Sand – It feels good between your toes but if you’re helping build sand castles, make sure you wash your hands well before handling your hearing aids. Sand and other debris can clog the microphone and tubing, leading to performance problems and possibly permanent damage.

• Water – Any type of moisture can destroy the microphone and receiver of your hearing aids, clog the tubing and cause corrosion. If you’re planning a day at the pool or the beach, turn your hearing aids off and store them safely in their hearing aid case – and make sure to store the case in a cool, dry place.

• Humidity – Humidity levels can wreak havoc on hearing aids, especially when you move from a controlled air-conditioned environment to steamy outdoor temperatures. 

 Summer Hearing Aid Care Tips

1. Wipe them down. Every night before you go to bed, take the batteries out and wipe them off with a dry, dust-free cloth. This cleans away excess dust and moisture, preventing it from entering and damaging your device. 
2. For non-Rechargeable devices – Open the battery door. Now that everything is clean and dry, keep the battery door open until the following morning. Don’t forget to put the batteries in a safe place, away from small fingers and curious pets. This allows air to circulate through your device and dry any moisture that may have been trapped there while you were wearing it. 
3. Invest in a dehumidifier. This inexpensive piece of equipment is a convenient place to store and dry your hearing aid. 
4. Wind and weather protectors are small filters that slip into your hearing aid as an added buffer for wind, rain and other obstacles you may encounter outdoors. They also come with a tool to assist in replacing the filters. 
5. Hearing aid sleeves for behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the-ear (ITE) not only protect the hearing aid from perspiration, dust and other debris, but may also make your hearing device more comfortable to wear.  
6. Sport clips attach directly to your hearing aid and keep it secure with a wire or plastic piece that fits around your ear. 
7. Sport necklaces clip onto the hearing aid and fit around the back of your head. Some also include a clip which attaches to the back of your shirt for added security. 
8. Sweat bands are much like hearing aid sleeves, only more suited for sports-related activities. The absorbent cloth sleeves fit over the hearing aid without compromising sound quality. 
9. Heat – Make sure to store your devices in their case whenever you take them out – and put it in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving your hearing aids in sunny windows, on outdoor patio tables or in your car. 
10. Perspiration – Moisture of any kind is damaging to your hearing aids, so if you work up a sweat cheering on the home team, try to keep your hair and ears as dry as possible. If you perspire heavily, it might be worthwhile to invest in a few nylon hearing aid sleeves. They come in a variety of colors and protect your hearing aids from dirt, sweat and other moisture. 
11. Dust and wind –If you do get caught in the elements, make sure to clean your devices carefully afterward. 

Schedule a Clean and Check With Us

Dr. Serpa offers appointments for hearing aid cleaning and checking, helping you keep your hearing aids in good working order and stay connected to your world and all its beautiful sound. Contact us for an appointment today!