As the days grow longer and warmer, your summer calendar may fill up with travel plans, outdoor activities, and social events.
Especially here in Tennessee— with long summer nights and music festivals to look forward to, it’s important to ensure that your hearing aids are ready for poolside relaxation, humidity, and loud noise.
Whether you’re planning a beach holiday, a mountain trek, or just eager to enjoy more backyard barbecues, here’s why a seasonal tune-up should not slip from your to-do list.
The Summer Challenges Your Hearing Aids Face
During summer, you tend to spend more time outdoors, and this exposes your hearing aids to increased heat, sweat, humidity, and dust.
These environmental conditions can affect the performance of your devices, leading to potential malfunctions if not appropriately managed.
Heat and Humidity:
High temperatures can cause battery drainage more quickly than usual. Moisture from sweat or humidity can infiltrate your hearing aids, causing corrosion and affecting their internal components.
Dust and Debris:
Whether at the beach or hiking, dust and debris can clog the microphone and receiver of your hearing aids, diminishing sound quality.
Engaging in social activities, attending family gatherings, or traveling requires optimal hearing aid functionality. Misfiring devices could mean missing out on important conversations or not fully enjoying live events and tours.
Essential Summer Maintenance for Your Hearing Aids
A pre-summer maintenance check can help avert any inconvenient disruptions to your summer plans.
Here’s a checklist to keep your aids in top shape:
Battery Health:
Monitor your batteries closely and consider switching to a longer-lasting type if needed. Carrying a few spare batteries can prevent interruptions when power unexpectedly runs out. For rechargeable models, bringing your carrying case and keeping it clean of debris and moisture can provide a safety cushion if your devices unexpectedly run out of charge.
Cleaning and Inspection:
Regular cleaning removes earwax buildup and checks for any dust in the ports. Inspect the tubing or receivers for any signs of wear and tear.
Moisture Protection:
Ensure your hearing aids have a moisture-resistant coating or consider using dehumidifiers designed for hearing aids to reduce internal moisture.
Consider Seasonal Adjustments for Enhanced Experience
Different environments demand specific adjustments to your hearing aids.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Settings:
Consider reprogramming your devices for environments with varying noise levels. Outdoor settings often require advanced noise reduction systems.
Group Conversations vs. Background Noise:
Adjust the settings to focus more on voices rather than background noise, maintaining clarity in both intimate and bustling environments.
Tips for Summer Hearing Aid Care
Daily care combined with proactive measures can significantly enhance your hearing aid’s longevity and functionality during summer.
Proper Storage:
When not in use, store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving them in hot cars or direct sunlight.
Use Protective Gear:
Protective sleeves can shield against sweat and debris while enjoying summer activities.
Regular Maintenance Visits:
Book a check-up with your audiologist to fine-tune settings and perform thorough cleaning and repairs as needed.
Make the Most of Your Summer
Don’t let something as vital as clear hearing hinder your summer adventures. Enjoy your sunny days with the peace of mind that your hearing aids are functioning at their best.
Schedule a visit today to ensure your hearing aids are ready for summer. Whether it’s a tune-up, cleaning, or reprogramming, you can rely on us to help you enjoy every moment the season has to offer!
For further assistance or to schedule your maintenance check, feel free to contact us at your closest location; your local team of audiologists is always ready to help, no matter what your ears need this summer.
