Hearing aids are complex microelectronic devices containing a range of components, including circuit boards, microphones, speakers and battery electrodes. Unfortunately, heat and moisture can damage them, particularly during the summer or when traveling in a tropical country. Rubber seals and hydrophobic nano-coatings can degrade, leaving your device vulnerable.
The good news, though, is that there are plenty of things that you can do to protect your hearing aids from heat and moisture. Read on to learn more.
Keep Your Hearing Aids Out of the Sun
Just like other electronic devices, components in your hearing aids are sensitive to light and heat. UV radiation from the sun, for instance, may damage the exterior plastic shell and heat could potentially raise temperatures in your device above sustainable operating thresholds.
You can’t always avoid hot or humid situations during the day. However, you can protect your hearing aids by wearing a hat and storing them in a location with minimal temperature variations, such as an air-conditioned room, at night.
Buy Hearing Aid Protectors
Hearing aid protectors come in various shapes and sizes. However, the goal is always the same: to protect hearing aids from moisture in the environment. Most take the form of a plastic sleeve you slip over the top of hearing aids; however, you can also get special boxes for hearing aids that store them in foam padding. These protect them from moisture while not in use and prevent condensation from forming on their exterior surfaces.
Use A Dehumidifier
You can’t dehumidify the air outdoors. However, you can buy a dehumidifier for your home and take the majority of the moisture out of the air in your rooms. Dehumidifiers work by passing moisture-containing air over cold elements. Upon contact with the cold surface, water condenses out of the air and then collects in a storage tank.
You can also get dehumidifiers specifically designed for storing electronics. Simply place your hearing aids inside them along with the rest of your gadgets to protect them from humid weather.
Clean Your Hearing Aids Daily
Cleaning your hearing aids daily is good practice regardless of the weather. However, it becomes even more important when temperatures and humidity levels rise. To clean your hearing aids, use a soft dry cloth to remove any sweat, wax or moisture on the surface. If your hearing aid uses disposable batteries, leave the battery door open at night and take the battery out to allow the compartment to dry completely. Avoiding moisture buildup will prevent corrosion on the device.
You can also get your devices professionally cleaned. Most manufacturers recommend that you do this every six months or so. Professional cleaners use special tools to remove any unwanted debris, grime or moisture, ensuring that your assistive hearing devices last as long as possible.
Dry Your Ears After Swimming
After you go for a swim, take the time to dry your ears. Tilt your head to one side, and then the other, making sure that any water drains out of each ear canal. If water remains in the ear, it can damage both the hearing aid and your eardrum.
Avoid Leaving Your Hearing Aids in the Sun
During hot weather, the sun’s UV rays can be intense and damage more than just your skin. Ultraviolet light destroys the surface of hearing aids by breaking apart materials on a molecular level, including delicate components and causing excessive heat that damages microelectronics inside.
If you’re going to be outside but don’t want to wear your hearing aids, place them in a secure container or failing that, under a towel. Don’t take them in the water with you unless the manufacturer specifies that you can. Remember, water resistance is not the same as waterproofing.
Don’t Leave Your Hearing Aids in the Car
Lastly, don’t leave your hearing aids in the car. While your car’s glove box will protect hearing aids from UV light, it can’t protect them from heat. Depending on the intensity of sunlight, temperatures inside parked motor vehicles can reach an astonishing level.
For example, if it is 90 degrees outside, the temperature in a parked car can reach 138 degrees. At these temperatures, devices can incur irrevocable damage.
Learn More About How to Protect Your Hearing Aids in Hot and Humid Weather
If you’d like to learn more about hearing aids, contact Two Rivers Hearing. Call us today at (321) 499-2488 to speak to an audiologist or arrange a professional cleaning.
