Ahhh… summer. Is it just us, or does everyone feel that special “pull” to get out and enjoy warmer weather, sunny skies, and just about any activity—from dining alfresco with friends to relaxing to the sound of waves at the beach? And of course, hearing our best is key to keeping us immersed in all of our summertime memories-in-the-making.
So, if you wear hearing aids, it’s important to remember—as with any high-tech devices—to keep your devices safe from heat, humidity, and water. These can damage the microphone, receiver, and circuit of the hearing aids and impact performance.
You’ll find it’s not so tough to do, particularly after you read Starkey’s seven helpful dos and don’ts of summer hearing aid care. Follow these tips to help keep your hearing aids protected and working their best in the warmer months:
1. Do protect hearing aids from water
It’s undeniable that swimming and boating are two of the biggest delights of summer. Just remember that any water contact with your hearing aids—even if they are water-resistant—could put a damper on performance.
On the bright side, a longer-term solution for unexpected splashes, rainfall, or dunks is now available—Edge AI hearing aids. Engineered with more gaskets and silicone seals, a protective nano coating inside and out, and a fully enclosed, built-in battery, Edge AI are designed to be waterproof* up to 1 meter (or 3 feet) depth.
But with any hearing aids, it’s always best to err on the safe side: You don’t want to swim in them (even Edge AI could fall out or feel uncomfortable underwater). Instead, take your hearing aids out and safely store them any time your ears could get wet. And after you finish your water activity, dry your ears (including ear canals) before reinserting your hearing aids.
2. Don’t store hearing aids in hot or humid environments
Whether you’re removing your hearing aids to go swimming or to take a nap on the lanai, it’s a good idea to keep them somewhere cool to help prevent damage caused by heat or humidity.
So, if you’re out and about, avoid storing your hearing aids in the car, or anywhere damp or in direct sunlight. Instead, place them in their case and store in a cooler, shaded location.
3. Do use a drying kit/dehumidifier
Going in and out of air-conditioned environments is inevitable during the summer, whether you’re going from the garden to your house, or from the grocery store to your car: But did you know that even the simplest temperature swings can cause humidity, perspiration, and condensation to accumulate and impact your hearing aids’ performance?
The good news—you can defend against temperature variations using a drying kit/dehumidifier for hearing aids. They are affordable, easy to use, and your hearing care professional can help you find the right one for your devices.
4. Don’t forget to apply skin protectants—before your hearing aids
Sunscreen and insect repellant may ward off burns, bites, and stings—but then you have the other potential pain of clogging your hearing aid microphone and/or receiver.
The best course of action: (1) apply your lotion and/or spray, (2) wash your hands, (3) insert your hearing aids. And when you remove your devices at bedtime, simply wipe them off before putting them into their charger or case.
5. Do wear the right footwear
You’re probably thinking, what does wearing suitable footwear have to do with hearing aid care, anyway? The answer: Wearing well-fitting, appropriate footwear for your summer activities can help minimize drops caused by tripping—while keeping you safe, too.
Indeed, your hearing aids may not only get lost if they fall out but also become damaged by the force of the drop. This is where Edge AI hearing aids come in as another great choice, thanks to their built-tough durability that helps them withstand sudden drops.
Plus, you can connect Edge AI to the My Starkey app—complete with the Find My Hearing Aids feature that allows you to track your hearing aids in the event you misplace them.
6. Don’t wear hearing aids on thrill rides
There are those who genuinely love “thrill-seeker” amusement park rides—and those who just want to do a nice favor for their favorite kiddies: Whichever you are, wouldn’t you rather save your screams for the loop-de-loops versus your hearing aids falling out during the ride’s sudden, forceful movements?
That said, it’s worth it to remove and stow your hearing aids before boarding any thrill rides.
7. Do monitor hearing aid performance with Self Check
With all of summer’s fabulousness, who wouldn’t want to ensure their hearing aids are performing their best all season long? Tap into Self Check—the My Starkey app feature that allows you to perform a simple diagnostic test on the microphone, receiver and circuit of your hearing aids.
You can find out if your hearing aids are in good working condition, or if they require cleaning, new wax guards, or a visit with your hearing care professional. Then it’s back to summer fun as usual.
Keep these hearing aid care dos and don’ts in mind this summer—and enjoy every activity under the sun. See you out there!