Its summertime! That means it is time to go on vacation! But not so fast, make sure you read over these tips to keep your hearing aid in tip-top shape.
Keep Away From Moisture
It gets hot in the summer and moisture in your hearing aids’ number one enemy unless you have a waterproof hearing aid. During the summer, watch out for your own sweat! To prevent sweat from getting into your hearing aid, try wearing a sweatband or buying a hearing aid sweatband or another type of waterproof covering. Also, don’t forget to take them out if you are about to jump into the pool. If your hearing aid does get wet, dry it off with a hairdryer set on cool or put it in a dehumidifier.
Keep Away From Humidity
Humidity can be a nightmare for your hair and your hearing aid. The excess moisture in the air can get trapped in your hearing aid. The best way to completely dry out your hearing aid is by putting it in a dehumidifying storage box. The box will suck out all the moisture and is a safe place to store your hearing aid when not in use.
Clean Thoroughly Everyday
Summer is a fun time to go to the beach, play some sports, or start a garden. Don’t forget to clean all the built-up sand and dirt from the day’s activities with a soft and dry cloth.
Traveling
It is always important to bring extras! Don’t forget to pack an emergency kit of batteries, cleaning tools, domes, and wax guards. Always keep your hearing aids and emergency kit on your carry-on. If you are flying to your destination, don’t worry you can keep your hearing aids on when going through security. In a statement by the TSA,” According to Otolaryngologist and Otolaryngology surgeons, hearing devices such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, external component of cochlear implants, and middle ear implants are not affected by X-ray inspection or walk-through metal detector screening…If you are concerned or uncomfortable with going through the walk-through metal detector or are uneasy with having the external component of your cochlear implant X-rayed, you can ask for a full-body pat-down of your person and a visual and physical inspection of the exterior component while it remains on your body”.
Avoid the Heat
Believe it or not, the sun and heat can do lots of damage to your hearing aid, especially to the casing and battery. Make sure to keep it stored in a cool and shaded area – your car’s glove compartment does not count, it is still hot! Even when you are relaxing outside, make sure to keep it out of direct sunlight.
The Beach
The beach is a fun place, but also a dangerous one for your hearing aid. Even if you’re not in the water, wear a waterproof pouch. Not only does it protect from sweat, but it also protects the aid from the sand. Depending on the severity of your hearing loss, you can just take them off and store them in a waterproof case or in a dehumidifier box (suggested). Remember to still keep your hearing aid storage in a shaded and cool place. Keeping them stored is also a preventive measure from accidentally getting them wet when you dive into the ocean. At the end of the day, don’t forget to clean them thoroughly and store them in a dehumidifier for the night!
Have a question about hearing aids or need to learn more about proper maintenance and care? call the Shea Clinic today to set up an appointment with our experts. Call now locally at 901-761-9720 or toll-free at 800-477-SHEA.