Summer means more time outdoors, higher temperatures and plenty of perspiration. If you wear hearing aids, you may wonder whether all that extra moisture could affect how well your devices perform.
The happy news is that a few simple habits can go a long way toward keeping your hearing aids working their best through this season and beyond.
The Impact of Moisture
Hearing aids could benefit as many as 28.8 million U.S. adults.[1] Today’s hearing aids are designed to withstand everyday wear and tear, and many models offer excellent protection against dust and water. Even so, moisture from sweat can still find its way into small openings over time, where it may interfere with the delicate electronic components inside.
When excess moisture builds up, you might notice changes such as distorted sound, reduced volume or batteries that drain more quickly than usual. Catching these issues early can help prevent serious damage.
Simple Ways to Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
Summer activities like runs in Pendleton King Park or family hikes can leave you pretty sweaty, but sweaty days don’t have to damage your devices. Try these tips to protect your hearing aids from summer moisture:
- Keep sweat away from your ears. A lightweight sweatband or hat can redirect perspiration before it reaches your hearing aids.
- Make cleaning part of your routine. Removing wax and debris regularly helps keep your devices fresh. Wipe down your hearing aids each evening and follow the cleaning instructions provided by your device manual.
- Dry them overnight. Using a hearing aid dehumidifier or container filled with desiccating beads while you sleep removes any moisture your devices collected throughout the day, so they’re ready to perform their best the next morning.
A little extra care during the hottest months of the year can make a big difference in the performance of your hearing aids. If you have questions about caring for your devices or would like to schedule a professional cleaning and inspection, contact Augusta – Aiken ENT & Allergy today.
[1] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2024). Quick statistics about hearing, balance, & dizziness. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing