It’s a hot summer in Reno, with temperatures regularly getting into the 90s and even 100s. If you’re a hearing aid user, it’s important to know how to care for your device in hot weather to avoid any potential damage.
How Hot Temperatures Put Your Hearing Aids at Risk
There are two main ways hot weather can take a toll on your hearing aids:
- Excess moisture. When it’s warm outside, your body temperature naturally rises, and you’re more inclined to sweat. While hearing aids are built to withstand some sweating and moisture, too much moisture or buildup on the device can cause electrical issues and lead to poor performance and malfunction. This can also be an issue when it comes to using sunscreen, tanning lotion or insect repellant.
- Direct sunlight exposure. While this isn’t a risk when you are wearing your hearing aids, you must be careful not to take them out and place them anywhere they might be exposed to direct sunlight. The heat has the potential to melt certain parts of your hearing aids, which can lead to needing to repair or replace them.
Protect Your Hearing Aids When It’s Hot Outside
There are several extra steps you can take to keep your hearing aids safe when it’s hot outside, including:
- Store them in a cool, dry place away from moisture, sunlight or direct heat.
- Make sure to clean them every night and wipe them down any time after you’ve been sweating more than normal.
- Consider using a hearing aid drying box or desiccants for storage. Leave the battery compartment open while they are in there to help wick away additional moisture.
- Use hearing aid accessories like sleeves, or consider a sweat-resistant headband if you’re working out in hot conditions, like taking a jog through Tom Cooke Trail.
- Put sunscreen and other lotions on before putting your hearing aids in, and wait until it has dried completely being inserting your device.
- Visit a hearing specialist if you are experiencing any performance issues with your device or suspect damage caused by exposure to heat or moisture.
Don’t Hesitate in Treating Your Hearing Loss with Hearing Aids
While hearing aids need a little extra care during the heat, if you are one of the 28.8 million U.S. adults who could benefit from using hearing aids, don’t delay in scheduling an appointment to get your hearing checked.
If your results indicate that you have hearing loss, your audiologist can work with you to find the best pair of hearing aids to meet your needs as well as your style and comfortability preferences.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact LeMay Hearing & Balance today.