Keep hearing aids safe during spring weather and activities with these helpful suggestions.
While spring is a wonderful time to enjoy nature and the outdoors, this seasonal change can also wreak havoc if you wear hearing aids. From sunlight to moisture, there are many potential hazards to hearing aids to look out for. In this guide, we’ll explore how to protect your hearing aids in spring, with these helpful tips:
- Clean your hearing aids at least once a week
- Replace or recharge your batteries frequently
- Avoid excess moisture
- Keep a hearing aid dehumidifier on standby
- Watch the sunscreen
- Limit sunlight exposure
- Store your aids in a cool, dry location
Learn more about each of these suggestions below.
Clean your hearing aids at least once a week
As the weather turns warmer, it’s important to clean your hearing aids every week – or even more frequently – to keep them running smoothly. Ear wax can split or break the tubing and earmolds of your aids, while excess pollen, dust and debris can also cause problems for your device. There are many great cleaning products and maintenance kits that can help you clean your hearing aids effectively. Consider asking your hearing health professional what they recommend.
Replace or recharge your batteries frequently
When batteries begin to run out, replace or recharge them as soon as possible to avoid any corrosion or rust build-up. You can check the power remaining in your hearing aid batteries with a battery tester. Leaving the door of the battery component open at nighttime is another way to protect and enhance the quality of your batteries and device.
Avoid excess moisture
Excess moisture is one of the leading causes of damage to your hearing aids. That’s why it’s important to limit exposure to water, humidity, or perspiration during the spring and summer months. Be sure to take your hearing aids off when you’re showering, intensely exercising, or exposed to humid environments.
Keep a hearing aid dehumidifier on standby
Regularly check the tubing and battery compartments of your hearing aids to see if there are any water droplets or accumulated moisture inside. Using a hearing aid dryer or dehumidifier can help remove this excess moisture and condensation from your device. It will also help prevent bacteria growth that can cause itchy ears.
Watch the sunscreen
As the temperatures begin to rise, many of us will apply sunscreen to protect our skin. However, sunscreen contains oils that can affect your hearing device. When applying sunscreen during these warmer months, take extra precautions with lotions and sprays. Before applying sunscreen to your ears, face, and neck, you may want to remove your hearing aids first to protect them from exposure and wash your hands before putting your devices back in.
Limit sunlight exposure
Sunlight is another big culprit of springtime hearing aid problems. To prevent the plastic coating from melting, keep your hearing aids out of direct sunlight. Don’t leave them in a vehicle outside for an extended period, and look for shady areas when spending time outdoors.
Store your aids in a cool, dry location
Our last tip to protect your hearing aids in spring is to store them in a safe, cool, and dry location when they’re not in use. As we’ve noted, sunlight and moisture can quickly damage your device, so consider placing your device in a cool and dry location at night and during other non-usage times.
In this guide, we covered how to protect your hearing aids in spring. As the weather begins to warm up, cleaning and handling your hearing device with care can also help maintain peak performance.
To learn more about how a captioned telephone for hearing loss can help you or someone you care about catch every word over the phone, call 800.233.9130 or visit CapTel.com today.
