Ananya, “I noticed you’ve been having some issues with your hearing aids lately. Is everything alright?”
Shrutik, “Yeah, it’s the crazy summer heat and the rains. Sometimes I feel like mine aren’t working right. Maintaining hearing aids in summer can be difficult. Your father uses a pair, right? What is he doing to keep them in good shape this season?”
Ananya, “Yes! Even my father had the same problems. Summer can be tough on hearing aids, but with the right care, you can keep them functioning perfectly. He visited CC Saha Hearing Clinic. They gave him a run-through of the issues and tips on maintaining his hearing aids in the summer.”
Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but this season’s extreme heat, loo winds, and occasional downpours, sweat and dust can pose challenges for hearing aid users. If you’ve noticed, Like Shrutik, you are struggling with your hearing aids too. The combination of sweat, moisture, and high temperatures can affect their performance.
But don’t worry – with a few simple steps, you can keep your hearing aids working perfectly all summer long. Let’s delve into some easy and effective tips for maintaining hearing aids in the summer heat!
Summer brings with it a mix of heat, humidity, and unexpected rain showers, all of which can pose challenges to hearing aid performance. Hence maintaining hearing aids in summer poses a considerable challenge.
Here are some of the factors that adversely affect the functioning of your hearing aids:
Component Damage: Excessive heat has the potential to harm the delicate components nestled within hearing aids, impacting their performance and longevity.
Battery Issues: When temperatures rise, it speeds up chemical reactions in hearing aid batteries, draining their energy faster than usual. This means shorter battery life for you, like your hearing aid is on fast-forward.
But wait, there’s more. Heat can cause batteries to self-discharge, even when not in use, so your spare batteries might not last as long in hot conditions.
Extreme heat can make batteries expand and leak fluids, damaging your hearing aid. Corrosion from leaking batteries can also cause malfunctions or complete failure.
Plus, high temperatures can lower battery voltage, leading to erratic operation or sudden shut-offs. Keep your hearing aid cool to avoid these issues and ensure it’s always there when you need it.
Plastic Deformation: Prolonged exposure to heat can result in the plastic elements of hearing aids warping or distorting.
Water Seepage and Moisture Buildup: Water infiltration is a sneaky culprit for hearing aid troubles. It can seep in through openings like microphone and receiver ports or tiny gaps in the casing. Once inside, it wreaks havoc on internal components, potentially causing malfunctions or complete device failure.
Humidity adds another layer of trouble, promoting condensation inside the hearing aids. This moisture can create electrical shorts and lead to further malfunctions. Keep those devices dry to avoid these pesky issues!
Corrosion: Moisture and water infiltration aren’t merely annoyances for hearing aids; they’re the instigators of a troublesome problem: corrosion. Once moisture seeps into the delicate inner workings of a hearing aid, corrosion takes hold, spreading its influence beyond just the metal components. It’s akin to a domino effect of deterioration, with each small spot of corrosion weakening the device from within, affecting even the surrounding materials.
Ensuring your hearing aids maintain peak performance in the summer is crucial. There are couple of tools that can come handy to keep the hearing aids dry especially from the inside.
Hearing Aid Dehumidifier: Hearing aid dehumidifiers are crafted to minimize moisture accumulation in your devices. Available in diverse forms to match varying moisture levels and hearing aid types, these devices excel in their effectiveness. Their prowess in preventing moisture-related issues can spare you significant expenses in repairs, rendering them a wise and invaluable investment. Hearing Aids are available with renowned brands like Resound.
Drying Kits: Kit contains drying cup and drying capsules convenient to take with you wherever you go. These products used together will help keep your hearing aids working properly. Electronic hearing aid dryer that efficiently dries and cleans your hearing aids in just 45 minutes – so your hearing aids will last longer. Drying Kits are available with renowned brands like Phonak, Widex and Starkey.
By prioritizing dryness, you’ll optimize your hearing aids’ performance, even when summer temperatures soar.
Sweat Bands: Consider using sweat bands or covers specifically designed for hearing aids. These can help wick away moisture and protect the device.
Wipe Down Regularly: Throughout the day, use a dry cloth to gently wipe away any sweat from the surface of your hearing aids.
Shade and Cool Places: Avoid leaving your hearing aids in direct sunlight or hot environments, such as on a car dashboard. Prolonged exposure to heat can damage the components.
Storage Case: When not in use, store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place. A storage case can protect them from direct sunlight and accidental exposure to water.
If you anticipate being around water a lot, consider investing in waterproof or water-resistant hearing aids. Phonak Audeo Lumity, Starkey GenesisAI , Signia Pure Charge & Go IX, ReSound OMNIA, and Widex Moment are some of the hearing aid series with various degree of waterproofing and other latest techs. The waterproofing capability of a hearing aid is defined by IP rating.
Ingress Protection (IP) serves as a gauge of how effectively aids can fend off foreign particles and substances, including water. The numerical values following “IP” signify two key aspects: the first number indicates the aids’ capability to repel substances like dirt or dust, with a maximum value of 6. Meanwhile, the final digit represents their resistance to liquids, such as water, with the highest achievable value being 8. Consequently, the highest IP rating for a hearing aid stands at IP68.
Recent advancements in hearing aid technology have led to claims of surpassing the conventional IP68 rating. This indicates that some of the latest hearing aids boast enhanced capabilities beyond the established standards, offering users even greater protection against environmental elements and ensuring prolonged durability and performance.
Daily Cleaning Routine: It is very important to clean your hearing aids evryday with a soft, dry cloth. Make sure to remove any earwax, dust particles or debris that might have accumulated.
Professional Checkups: Schedule regular checkups with your audiologist. At CC Saha hearing clinics we professionally clean and check your hearing aids to ensure they are in optimal condition.
Avoid Hairsprays and Lotions: Be carefull with hairspray and lotions. Try applying before you put on your hearing aids. These products can clog the microphone and receiver ports.
Ear Hygiene: You should clean your ears regularly, but not too often. Excessive earwax can block the sound and reduce the efficiency of your hearing aids.
Use Hearing Aid Clips or Straps: If you’re engaging in outdoor activities, use clips or straps to secure your hearing aids. This prevents them from falling out during vigorous activities.
Breaks and Airing Out: Take regular breaks to remove your hearing aids and allow your ears to air out, reducing the buildup of sweat and moisture.
Maintaining your hearing aids during the summer requires a bit of extra attention, but it’s well worth the effort to ensure they continue to function optimally. By keeping them dry, protecting them from sweat, and avoiding direct sunlight, you can extend the life and performance of your hearing aids. Remember, regular cleaning and professional checkups are key to maintaining your hearing health.
Shutik “Thanks, Ananya! These tips are really helpful. I’ll start using a dehumidifier and be more careful with sweat and moisture.”
Ananya “You’re welcome, Shu. With these steps, your hearing aids should work perfectly all summer long just like my fathers. Enjoy the season!”
By following these simple yet effective tips, you can ensure your hearing aids remain in top condition, allowing you to enjoy all the sounds of summer without interruption.
At C.C. Saha Ltd., we provide a comprehensive range of hearing solutions that include the testing of a patient’s ability to detect tones at different frequencies. Our highly skilled Audiologists conduct a thorough examination, taking into account the patient’s hearing loss history, lifestyle choices, and needs, and then recommend the best possible hearing solution.
We are present across the city of Kolkata, at Esplanade, Prince Anwar Shah Road, Dunlop, Salt Lake, and Barasat. We also have clinics at Midnapore and Burdwan.
Despite the challenges, discussing hearing loss with family is essential. It’s a daunting task, but starting this conversation can lead to better understanding and support. If needed, seek help from the person you trust most.
As parents, you should be vigilant. Check if your child isn’t responding to sounds, or if their speech and language development seem to be delayed. You may feel that they even have trouble following simple instructions. If you observe any of these signs, consider having it checked out. Getting to know and addressing hearing issues early can make a big difference in your child’s development.
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Regular audiometry tests are essential for maintaining good hearing health. These tests help detect
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