Summer is a time of joy, filled with outdoor adventures, travel plans, and social gatherings. However, while you’re having fun, your hearing aids might be facing challenges due to exposure to heat, sweat, humidity, and dust.
Because these elements can significantly affect their performance, it’s essential to ensure that your devices are ready for summer, whether you’re headed out for some adventures on the road or basking by the ocean.
Heat and Humidity
Hot temperatures and humidity can cause moisture buildup inside your hearing aids, which may lead to malfunctions or corrosion. Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of electronic devices, and hearing aids are no exception.
Sweat and Dust
Whether you’re hiking a trail or attending a beach party, sweat and dust are inevitable parts of the summer experience.
They can find their way into the tiny crevices of your hearing aids, blocking the microphones and receivers, leading to decreased functionality.
Importance of Clear Hearing During Summer Activities
During summer, clear hearing becomes more crucial than ever. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, attending outdoor concerts, or hosting a barbeque, the last thing you want is to miss out on conversations and important sounds.
When traveling or participating in outdoor activities, being able to hear clearly can enhance your safety and enjoyment. For instance, understanding announcements at airports or hearing directions while on a hiking trail can prevent mishaps and make your experience more pleasant.
And, of course, summer is synonymous with social gatherings! Ensuring your hearing aids are in top condition can help you engage in conversations effortlessly so you can focus on what’s important: enjoying yourself in the sunshine.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance
Just like your car needs regular servicing for optimal performance, your hearing aids require routine checkups, especially before the summer.
- Cleaning and Battery Health: Regular cleaning prevents moisture and debris buildup. It is also important to check the health of your batteries to ensure they last during long days out.
- Inspecting Tubing and Receivers: Make sure to inspect the tubing and receivers. Tubing can become brittle over time due to temperature changes, and receivers might get blocked with earwax.
- Moisture Protection: Consider using sweat covers or dehumidifiers to keep moisture at bay. A simple drying box can work wonders in prolonging the life of your hearing aids.
Seasonal Adjustments
Your environment changes with the seasons, and so should the settings on your hearing aids.
- Indoor vs. Outdoor Environments: The settings suitable for quiet indoor environments may not be optimal for noisier outdoor settings. Your audiologist can fine-tune your hearing aids for different environments to balance the hearing experience.
- Group Conversations and Background Noise: Summer gatherings often mean group conversations and background noise. Newer hearing aids have enhanced noise-canceling features that can be adjusted for such settings so you don't miss engaging in discussions.
Summer Hearing Aid Care Tips
Here are a few tips to keep your hearing aids functioning perfectly throughout the summer.
- Proper Storage: When not in use, store your hearing aids in a dry, cool place.
- Use Dehumidifiers: Regularly use dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the devices.
- Daily Maintenance: Wipe your aids with a soft, dry cloth at the end of the day to remove sweat and debris.
Ready for Your Next Adventure?
Make the most of your summer by ensuring your hearing aids are in optimal shape. By adopting these practices, you can enjoy all that summer has to offer, without missing a beat!
Schedule your hearing aid tune-up via our website, or give us a call at your closest location:
Thousand Oaks: (805) 379-0824
Simi Valley: (805) 583-8698
Oxnard: (805) 983-4214
Camarillo: (805) 484-5951
