Protecting Hearing Aids from the Summer Heat

Hearing aids, like most electronic devices, are sensitive to high heat. After all, they are delicate instruments composed of plastic and electronic parts. Because of their sensitivity, they can suffer serious damage when exposed to direct heat for an extended period of time.

For example, some of the components can become deformed, causing the hearing aids to fit improperly. When aids become dislodged, feedback can occur. With the summer months rounding the calendar’s corner, it is important to know how to protect your hearing aids from the summer heat!

Purchase a hearing aid dryer

The most effective preventive measure to take is to have a hearing aid dryer or dehumidifier on hand. These devices use various methods to remove moisture and sanitize hearing aids and cochlear implants while they’re in storage.

A dehumidifier and dryer also safeguard your hearing aids from temperature changes. Fluctuations in temperatures are difficult for your hearing aids to cope with; this is because the changes create moisture within the crevices of the hearing aid. Additionally, temperature fluctuations can alter a battery’s strength and output, causing it to be less effective.

Store hearing aids in the right place

When storing your hearing aids, it is important to keep them out of direct sunlight. As mentioned, your hearing aids are made of plastic, which can melt in intense heat. Do not store your hearing aids outside, on a windowsill or on the dashboard of a car. Instead, tuck them somewhere cool, in a case, out of the direct sunlight.

Should your hearing aids get wet during the summer, it is important to not use a blow dryer in an attempt to dry them. The air can damage the intricate components within the device, shortening its life. Instead, follow these steps for drying a wet hearing aid.

Properly clean your hearing aids 

The first step is to remove the hearing aids from the water as quickly as possible. The less water in the device, the better a chance they have of working again. Next, turn the devices off and carefully remove the battery, properly disposing of it. Do not be tempted to turn your hearing on to see if it works — everyone knows that water and electronics do not mix.

Attempting to turn on a waterlogged hearing aid can cause additional damage to your device. Close the battery door and remove the tube. Using a hearing aid tube blower, remove as much moisture as possible and dry on a towel.

Summer can remain a fun pastime, without putting your hearing aids at risk. If you follow the above tips to protect your hearing aids from the summer heat, but still experience issues, call your audiologist for a checkup!