By
Niamh Harnett
Many of us wait all year for Summer to come around and when it does, we can’t wait to jump on a plane and head off to the beach with family in tow. Once you know how to best take care of your hearing aids while travelling, take the next step and protect your devices all summer long.
There are some things you should be aware of to make sure your hearing aids perform at their best this summer if you are around beaches, swimming pools or simply in hot or humid climates.
Avoid those Summer culprits:
Sand
it may feel like free exfoliation however when it comes to protecting your hearing aids, sand is just like any other debris. Those tiny little grains can worm their way into your devices where they can clog the microphone and tubing leading to issues with technology performance and, in the worst case, permanent damage.
If you need to touch your hearing aids for any reason, make sure your hands are clean and dry. If you wear behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE) you can purchase hearing aid sleeves which fit nicely over your hearing aids and help prevent debris and moisture from damaging your devices.
Another top tip is to remove your hearing aids when applying any products. Sunscreen is one of the biggest summer culprits for clogging hearing aids. If you accidentally get sunscreen or bug repellent in your hearing aids take them out and clean them thoroughly.
Water
Any kind of moisture can be a serious risk to your devices. It can completely disable the microphone and receiver of your hearing aids, clog the tubing and cause erosion to the metal. Saltwater is particularly damaging to hearing aids as it leaves crystals behind when it evaporates, and these can corrode the device’s components. If you’re planning a day at the beach, make sure to keep your devices safe and, if needed, place them away securely while around the water.
An extra precaution is to store your hearing aids in a waterproof case, just don’t forget them when you leave!
If you spend a lot of time around water you might be interested in the Phonak Paradise Life – the world’s first waterproof rechargeable hearing aid!
Humidity
Humidity levels can be disastrous to hearing aid functionality. Going from air-conditioned environments to sweltering outdoor temps can cause moisture to build up rapidly.
Consider investing in an overnight drying kit to remove excess moisture in your hearing aids while you sleep. Travel de-humidifiers are also handy to have in case your hearing aids come into contact with water.
It’s important to note that moisture can build up in your hearing aids just as easily on your daily commute as it can in sunny Spain making overnight drying kits a sound investment year-round.
Keeping these simple tips in mind will help ensure you have an amazing summer and keep your hearing aids safe at the same time.
Don’t forget to HAVE FUN!
Hearing loss shouldn’t hold you back. Whether you’re trekking around the world or relaxing by the pool your hearing aids and accessories are designed to make your life easier.
Get in touch with one of our experts today to discuss the right devices and accessories for you!