Humidity And Hearing Aids: Three Tips For Keeping Your Hearing Aids Dry

Summer is quickly approaching and with it heat, humidity, and fun in the sun. If you enjoy spending your sunny days outdoors, you may be finding it difficult due to your hearing aid. While you do not need to stop your activities, you may need to make some modifications to ensure that your hearing aid stays dry and functional throughout the summer months.

If you don't know where to start, begin by implementing these three tips to help keep your hearing aid dry:

1. Remove the Hearing Aid

While you should wear your hearing aid at all times, it is not always possible. If you plan to go swimming, you should remove it before getting in the water. Additionally, you should remove your hearing aid when you shower and wash your face. You should also remove it if the weather is wet and your head is getting wet. Finally, make sure you remove your aid while you are doing vigorous activities that make you sweat.

It may seem like an inconvenience, but it is important that you remove your device any time it may become wet due to weather conditions or activities. So if you will be near water, always remove the device.

2. Store the Aid Properly

At night, you should remove your hearing aid to let it dry. You can store your device in a hearing aid dryer or dehumidifier, which will remove any moisture from it. However, you can also store it in dry rice or salt to remove moisture in a pinch. If you do not have access to any of these items, open the battery cover and store it in a dry, cool place. Opening the battery cover is a simple technique, but it is effective and it will let the hearing aid dry out overnight.  

If you are out and about and need to remove your device, make sure you place it in a designated hearing aid case. These cases are specially designed and will often times remove excess moisture, all while keeping your hearing aids safe and secure. Put your hearing aids in the device, close it up, and place it in a safe place.

3. Wipe the Battery

If your hearing aid does have moisture present when you remove it, take the time to clean it. Carefully clean the device as you normally would, and then follow through by wiping the battery case with a clean cloth. A lint-free cloth works best; however, any clean cloth or towel will do in a pinch.

Keeping your hearing aid dry is crucial to its lifespan. Use these tips to ensure that you hearing aid stays dry and functional throughout the summer heat. If it does encounter water, clean it immediately and take it in for professional maintenance if needed. For more information, contact a professional like Audiologists Northwest.