Winter Dangers
With winter comes the possibility of colder weather and a stark change in temperature when moving from outside to inside. When going from sub-freezing temperatures to getting cozy by the fire, the inside of the ear heats up quickly and causes condensation. It’s also important to be cognizant of hearing aid care when participating in winter sports such as skiing and sledding. This exercise increases body temperature which can lead to sweat, and in turn more moisture within your ear and potentially in your hearing aid. Similarly to when you have to turn on the dehumidifier in your car to be able to see the windshield, it is a smart idea to get a dehumidifier for your hearing aids, just to ensure no moisture can sneak in.
Spring/Fall Pitfalls
April showers bring May flowers and hurricane season wraps up at the end of November. Spring and fall bring dampness outside which can translate to dampness in the ear. In these seasons it’s particularly important to keep your hearing aids dry and keep them free of any additional pollen that is prevalent during these times of the year. Thankfully, Audicus has some pointers as to what to do when your hearing aid gets wet as well as tips for general hearing aid care.
Issues in the Dog Days of Summer
Summer can cause some of the same issues for hearing aids as winter. There’s the drastic change in temperature causing moisture build up, the threat of sweat during exercise, and the danger of humidity on hearing aid batteries. In addition, summer brings swimming pools and trips to the beach where the importance of hearing aid care increases. Be sure to clean out any debris, such as sand, out of your hearing aid and do your best to prevent additional wetness that might come in contact with your hearing aid.
Cleaning Your Hearing Aid
One thing that remains important no matter what is the season is cleaning out your hearing aid, First and foremost, remove the battery to prevent any rusting from excess moisture. Next, remove any of the earwax that may have built up in your time outdoors. Earwax may act as a cleaning agent for your body, but it can hinder the abilities of your hearing aid. Alongside earwax, be sure to remove any particles that should not be there – i.e. dust particles, grains of sand, etc. Be wary of cleaners containing alcohol, as they may damage your hearing aid instead of cleaning it. Finally, dry out the case, battery, and separate compartments and keep up to date on your hearing aid cleaning regime!