Heat, moisture and dust can potentially damage hearing aids because they are constructed of microelectronics and high-tech circuit boards. Heat and moisture, particularly in the summer, put them in danger of shorter battery life, poor sound quality or inappropriate operation.

Many hearing aids feature rubber seals and a water-resistant nano-coating to keep moisture out, but they are not waterproof. To maximize the effectiveness and durability of your hearing device, keep it away from heat and humidity. While showering, swimming or in the sauna, it is advised that you remove your hearing aids.

Here are some suggestions for keeping your hearing aids safe from heat and moisture.

Clean Your Hearing Aids Daily

Every day, clean your hearing aids to keep them clear of moisture, wax and dirt. Wipe your hearing aids clean with a clean dry cloth to remove oils, sweat and wax. This is usually done at night or after you have finished with them for the day.

If your hearing aids use throwaway batteries, let the battery compartment open to completely dry. This reduces the possibility of corrosion of the battery connections and electronic components in your smartphone.

Dehumidifier

You can purchase a hearing aid dehumidifier to safeguard your devices from moisture when not in use. These dehumidifiers employ a desiccant to take any excess moisture out of the hearing aids and preserve them from corrosion and water damage. After cleaning your hearing aids, simply place them into the dehumidifier and close the container.

Hearing Aid Protectors

Hearing aids are not waterproof. Any moisture can cause electrical components to fail. To reduce water damage, you can purchase or build hearing aid coverings that protect your hearing aids from rain, moisture, dust and grime.

Protect Them from the Sun

Some parts of hearing aids are constructed of heat-sensitive polymers and electronics. Heat can damage those components if they are exposed to it for an extended period. When not in use, keep hearing aids in a cool, dry place with minimal temperature variations.

Water-Resistance Does Not Imply Waterproofness

It is important to note that there is no such thing as a genuinely waterproof hearing aid. Hearing aids, on the other hand, can be water-resistant. These hearing aids are more resistant to water damage and last longer. That doesn’t mean you should put them at risk if you can avoid it.

If you take showers while wearing your hearing aids, for example, they should be alright. A long swim in the pool or a trip to the beach, on the other hand, could cause some harm. Water-repellent coatings and lithium-ion batteries extend the life of your hearing aids but do not make them impermeable. Water immersion might be hazardous to the equipment.

Keeping Your Hearing Aids Safe During Summer

Whatever outdoor adventures you have planned, there are several risks to your hearing aids. They can, however, be avoided by adopting simple precautions. Consider the following methods for protecting your electronics in the heat:

One study discovered that after an hour in 95-degree temperatures, the inside of your automobile can reach an average of 116 degrees.
Check that you have a storage case: While you may be accustomed to storing your hearing aids wherever they appear safe, you would benefit from a dedicated storage case. If you plan on travelling to the beach, such a case will protect your hearing aids from sand and water.
Keep your hearing aids out of the sun: If you plan on swimming, you should remove your hearing aids, but leaving them in the sun isn’t any better. If possible, keep them safe inside your home.
After using your hearing aids, clean them: Sweat accumulates in your ears, and your hearing aids will detect it as well. At the end of the day, make sure to clean down and sanitize your hearing aids.
Dry your ears after swimming: Check your ears before re-inserting your hearing aids after swimming. Tip your head to either side, use a towel to dry your ears and eliminate any leftover water with an alcohol solution.
Get your hearing aids cleaned properly: Consider taking them to a hearing instrument specialist after any close interaction with water or sand. In other words, hire a professional to inspect and clean them for you. They’ll know what to do if there’s sand or water damage.

If you would like to learn more about how you can protect your hearing aids from heat and humidity get in touch with the hearing instrument specialists at Byron’s Hudson Valley Hearing Aid Centers:

Lake Katrine, NY: (845) 481-9267
Poughkeepsie, NY: (845) 232-2147
Rhinebeck, NY: (845) 481-9266