Warm Weather Tips for Hearing Aid Users

Great Little Article from NEWTON PATCH .com

Warmer weather brings heat, humidity and air conditioning all of which can wreak havoc on hearing aids. Moisture collects in tubing, corrosion forms on contact points, and ears may produce more wax.

Moisture/Water

Water is a serious enemy of hearing aids. Moisture can destroy the microphone and the receiver of hearing aids, clog the sound opening or ear mold tubing, and cause corrosion in the hearing aids. Moisture in the hearing aids can cause a static sound or can cause the hearing aids to operate intermittently or not at all. Moisture comes from a variety of sources including perspiration, high humidity, and direct submersion in water. To avoid the damaging effects of moisture, follow these tips:

• Be particularly careful when wearing hearing aids outdoors in wet and rainy weather. Use an umbrella or hat when it is raining.
• Ensure that your hair and ears are dry before you put on your hearing aids.
  If perspiration is excessive, avoid wearing hearing aids during strenuous activity particularly in hot, humid weather.
• If the hearing aids get wet, it is important to remove the battery promptly and let the hearing aids dry out for several hours. If you have a Dri-Aid kit, use it to facilitate drying of the hearing aids.
• Do not use a hot air dryer, oven, clothes dryer, microwave, or other source of heat to dry hearing aids.

Temperature

Excessive heat can damage your hearing aids. Avoid storing your hearing aids near summertime sources of heat such as a sunny window in your home or your car, or outdoors on a glass topped patio table.

Bacteria

Hearing aids tend to gather bacteria and other microbes more readily during the summer months. An anti-microbial product that can be applied to the hearing aids every few days helps kill off infection causing microbes.

Batteries

IMPORTANT: Hearing aid batteries are toxic. Keep them away from children and pets, as they are harmful if swallowed.

Here are some helpful tips for the care and use of your hearing aid batteries:

• Always carry extra batteries for your hearing aids as batteries tend to die quickly, sometimes unexpectedly.
• Do not keep extra batteries loose in your pocket or purse with other coins or metal objects.
• Store batteries in a drawer, not in the refrigerator.
• For longer battery life especially during the hot and humid months of summer, open the battery compartment or remove the battery from your hearing aids every night.
• Do not remove the tab on the hearing aid battery until you plan to use the battery.
• Watch for corrosion on the battery. If you notice a white powdery substance on the battery, replace it immediately. Also, check the battery contacts within the hearing aid to assure they are free of corrosion.
• Battery contacts may be dried with a dry cotton swab in cases of humid weather or heavy perspiration.

We hope these tips about caring for your hearing aids during warmer weather will help you to keep them clean and in proper working order this summer.