Quick Answer
Moisture is the biggest summer risk for hearing aids. Sweat, humidity and condensation can all affect the delicate electronics inside your devices. Wiping them daily with a soft, dry cloth, storing them in a drying case overnight and keeping them away from direct heat are the most important things you can do. If you are heading to the beach, protect them from sand and apply any sunscreen before putting your aids in.
Summer is a wonderful time to get out and enjoy yourself. But if you wear hearing aids, a bit of extra care through the warmer months goes a long way. Heat, humidity, sweat and sand are the four things most likely to cause problems for your devices, and the good news is that all of them are easy to manage once you know what to watch for.
angli-EAR Hearing audiologist, Sanjam, shares six practical tips to keep your hearing aids performing well from now through to autumn.
Why does summer weather affect hearing aids?
Modern hearing aids are remarkably sophisticated pieces of technology, but their internal components, including microphones, receivers, amplifiers and circuitry, are sensitive to moisture. Sweat, humidity and condensation can all work their way into those components, causing anything from muffled sound to intermittent cutting out to outright failure. Heat adds a further complication: very high temperatures can shorten battery life and, over time, distort the plastic casing of the device.
The good news is that a simple daily routine is usually all it takes to keep things running well.
1. Keep your hearing aids dry
This is the single most important habit. Sweat, humidity and even the natural moisture inside your ear canal can all build up over the course of a day. Get into the habit of wiping your hearing aids each evening with a soft, dry cloth before you put them away. Pay attention to the microphone ports and any vents, as these are the most vulnerable spots.
If you are exercising in warm weather or spending time in a particularly humid environment, a quick wipe partway through the day can also help.
2. Never leave hearing aids in a hot car or in direct sunlight
This one catches people out more than you might expect. The inside of a parked car on a warm day can reach temperatures well above those your hearing aids are designed to cope with. Exposure to that kind of heat can drain the battery faster, cause battery leakage and, in some cases, warp or damage the casing.
When you are not wearing your aids, store them somewhere cool and dry. A bedside table or a drawer away from windows is ideal. The same applies to leaving them on a sun lounger or a windowsill.
3. Use a drying case or dehumidifier overnight
A hearing aid drying case or electronic dehumidifier is one of the best investments you can make, and it earns its keep particularly in summer. Leaving your aids in one overnight removes any moisture that has built up through the day, which helps prevent the kind of gradual damage that can be hard to spot until it has already affected performance.
If you do not have a drying case, at the very least open the battery compartment before you go to bed. This allows some air to circulate and reduces the build-up of moisture inside the device.
4. Keep your hearing aids clean
Sweat and earwax production can both increase in warmer weather, and both can clog the microphone ports and sound outlets on your aids. A soft cleaning brush or the tool your audiologist recommended is all you need for a daily clean. The goal is simply to keep the openings clear.
If you are not sure of the best cleaning routine for your specific devices, our HearCare Assist service is there to help. No appointment needed: our trained reception team can assist with cleaning, dome replacements, troubleshooting and more, either by phone or in person at the clinic.
5. Keep an eye on your batteries
Heat affects battery chemistry, which means disposable batteries can drain more quickly in summer. If your aids seem to be running out faster than usual, it is worth keeping a few spares with you, particularly if you are travelling or spending time away from home.
For rechargeable hearing aids, avoid leaving them on charge in direct sunlight or anywhere that gets very warm. A cool, shaded spot is best.
If you are thinking about making the switch to rechargeable aids and want to understand the options, our team would be happy to talk it through with you.
6. Protect your hearing aids from sun cream and sand
Two things that can cause problems at the beach: sunscreen and sand. Sunscreen contains oils and chemicals that can damage the casing and block the microphone ports on your hearing aids. If you are applying sun cream to your face or around your ears, do this first and let it absorb before putting your aids in.
Sand is also worth thinking about. Even fine particles can work their way into the openings of your devices and affect how they perform. If you are spending a day at the coast or somewhere particularly sandy, consider taking your aids out for parts of the day and storing them safely in their case.
What if my hearing aids are not performing as well as they should?
If you notice a change in sound quality, your aids cutting in and out or any other issue that does not resolve with a gentle clean and a night in the drying case, it is worth getting them seen to. Sometimes all that is needed is a small adjustment.
Our HearCare Assist service means you do not always need to wait for a formal appointment. Our reception team is trained to help with a wide range of maintenance queries, from checking receivers and troubleshooting chargers to pairing aids with your phone. Just call us on 01223 661399 or drop in.
If you would like a more thorough check of your hearing or your devices, we also offer a FREE Ear Health Check. You can book online or give us a ring on 01223 661399.
Frequently asked questions
Can heat damage my hearing aids?
Yes. Very high temperatures, such as inside a parked car in summer, can affect battery performance, cause leakage from disposable batteries and, over time, distort the plastic casing. Modern hearing aids are built to handle a reasonable range of temperatures, but direct sun exposure and confined hot spaces are best avoided.
Is it safe to wear hearing aids in the pool or the sea?
Most hearing aids are water-resistant to some degree, but they are not waterproof. Swimming exposes them to far more water than a quick splash, and chlorine or salt water can cause particular damage. It is generally best to remove your aids before getting in the water. If you are unsure about the water resistance rating of your specific devices, your audiologist can advise.
How often should I clean my hearing aids in summer?
Daily cleaning is ideal throughout the year, and this is especially true in summer when sweat and earwax production can both increase. A quick wipe with a soft cloth and a brush of the microphone ports each evening takes only a minute or two and can make a real difference to how well your aids perform.
My hearing aids keep cutting out in warm weather. What should I do?
Intermittent cutting out is often caused by moisture in the microphone or receiver. Try a thorough wipe and then leave your aids in a drying case or with the battery compartment open overnight. If the problem continues, get in touch with us. Our HearCare Assist team can often help without the need for a full appointment.
Can I use a hairdryer to dry my hearing aids?
No. Direct heat from a hairdryer, radiator or similar source can damage the delicate components inside your hearing aids. Always dry them gently with a soft cloth and use a proper hearing aid drying case or dehumidifier to remove any remaining moisture.
What is HearCare Assist?
HearCare Assist is our lifetime aftercare service at angli-EAR Hearing, available to all our clients. Our trained reception team can help with cleaning, dome replacements, battery orders, charger troubleshooting, phone pairing and more, without you needing to book a clinical appointment. Just call us on 01223 661399 or visit us at the clinic.
Where can I get my hearing aids checked at angli-EAR Hearing?
You are always welcome to contact us if you have any concerns. We offer a FREE Ear Health Check for anyone who wants to get their hearing or their devices looked at. Call us on 01223 661399 or book online.
