Summer Activities & Hearing Aid Care

Looking to do some outdoor activities this summer? It could be worth considering how certain activities could affect your hearing aid. Activities like swimming could damage your hearing aid, while sports like golf could leave you exposed to issues like wind noise. By understanding these problems, you can take steps to prevent them occurring. Below are just a few important factors to consider this summer when taking part in activities.

Water Damage

Exposure to moisture can damage hearing aids. Batteries exposed to moisture can corrode, while other electronic parts within your hearing aid could also stop working.

If you’re planning on spending a day by the pool or taking part in water sports like surfing and paddle boarding this summer, you should consider taking your hearing aid out so that it doesn’t get wet. Don’t leave your hearing aid somewhere that it could get damp either. If you’re going in a pool, don’t leave your hearing aid by the side of the pool where it could get easily splashed. Always store your hearing aid somewhere dry such as the pocket of a bag or in a case.

There are hearing aids on the market that can provide improved water resistance. If you take part in water activities regularly and don’t want to have to put up with reduced hearing, it could be worth talking to an audiologist about such options. It’s worth noting that hearing aids that are damaged by water can sometimes be repaired, however a new hearing aid may be the only solution in some cases.

Heat Damage

Hearing aids can also be damaged when exposed to high temperatures. Your hearing aid batteries are particularly susceptible to heat damage and should be kept cool to avoid them running dead.

While you are wearing your hearing aid, heat damage is unlikely to be too much of a problem. However, when taking out your hearing aid you should be careful of where you put it. If you’re going to the beach this summer and you want to take your hearing aid out to go swimming in the sea, avoid leaving it in direct sunlight the same way you’d avoid leaving your smartphone in direct sunlight. It’s also not a good idea to leave your hearing aid in a hot car where the temperature can quickly rise.

You can talk to an audiologist for more information about the effects of heat damage. Repairs may be possible if your hearing aid is damaged by heat.

Wind Noise

You don’t have to worry about the wind damaging your hearing aid, however it can cause an issue known as wind noise. This is when the device becomes too sensitive to the sound of the wind, resulting in an unpleasant amount of background noise.

Those who partake in summer activities like golf, hiking, windsurfing or cycling may experience this. The loud sound of wind could become distracting or cause headaches if it is very loud, which is something that you shouldn’t have to deal with.

Certain types of hearing aid may offer better wind noise resistance due to the placement or design. This is something that is worth discussing with an audiologist so that you can find the right device.

Choosing the Right Style

Certain styles of hearing aid may be better suited to certain types of activity. For instance, in the canal (ITC) and in the ear (ITE) may be easier to wear with a cycling helmet than behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. There are also specific models of hearing aid out there that may have added perks such as added clarity when listening to live music or even smart fitness stats tracking.

All in all, it’s worth discussing your lifestyle with an audiologist to determine the best style of hearing aid for you. This could allow you to more freely partake in the summer activities that interest you without your hearing aid interfering.

Talk to an Audiologist Today

If you have any concerns about your hearing aid and how it may be affected by summer activities, don’t hesitate to talk to an audiologist. Here at Quality Hearing and Audiology Center, we have a range of different styles that we can recommend to you based on your lifestyle. We can also answer any queries that you may have about hearing aid care. You can browse our site to discover more about our services or you can call us today at (816) 205-7220.