If you've been wearing hearing aids for a while, you'll understand how important it is for them to work consistently. Like any electronic device, it takes a little thought and maintenance to keep your hearing aids in good working order and for them to last a long time. 

While regular care on your hearing aids is easy enough, summer brings with it a few additional obstacles for hearing aid users. Along with the joys that warm weather can bring, there's a greater chance that your hearing aids could be worn out.

When it comes to hearing aids, there are three primary hazards to consider:

Exposure to excessive heat

Your hearing aids are designed to endure a wide variety of temperatures. Still, the heat of summer can quickly produce conditions that aren't ideal for them. 

In the summer, un-shaded cars trap heat, dramatically raising their temperatures to dangerous levels for humans to bear, as well as many electronic devices such as hearing aids. Extreme heat can cause your hearing aids' plastic components and casings to melt, compromising their integrity, fit, and performance.

Sun-heated cars can also damage a hearing aid's battery, which is especially problematic if your devices rely on built-in rechargeable power. Heat affects the operation of many electronic components, and allowing your hearing aids to become overheated may lead them to malfunction beyond repair.

Never leave your hearing aids in direct sunlight, particularly inside a heated car. Put your hearing aids in a watertight storage case and carry them with you when you remove them. Keep the case out of the sun and in the shade. 

Exposure to excessive moisture

Avoiding moisture is the next big summer danger for hearing aids. It will come as no surprise to hear that moisture and electronics don't mix, and your hearing aids aren't intended to get wet, either. Ions in the water can carry electricity across the sensitive components, potentially shorting out or destroying your hearing aid.

Most hearing aid components are covered by a water-resistant coating to endure the humid conditions of the human ear canal. Still, this coating does not make your hearing devices waterproof. Hearing aids should also never be dipped in water, especially for long periods.

Swimming, beaches, rainstorms, and garden hoses abound throughout the summer, giving you plenty of opportunities to get your hearing aids wet. If this happens, it's not the end of the world, but your need to act. After wiping them dry, put your hearing aids in a waterproof storage case. You should also take your hearing aids out of your bathroom before showering or bathing, and it's a good idea to put them in a case if it's raining heavily.

A hearing aid drier is a piece of valuable equipment for year-round hearing aid maintenance. This is a compact enclosed case that keeps moisture out of your devices when you're not wearing them. 

Exposure to dust and dirt 

People spend more time outside during the summer, resulting in the dirt, sand, and other particles that invade your hearing aid and causing issues. Debris and oil buildup can block parts of your hearing aid, causing it to work poorly. Tiny particles may be difficult to remove from your gadget, necessitating the replacement of a jammed component.

Before adjusting, removing, or touching your hearing equipment after encountering small particles like dust or sand, make sure your hands are clean. Sand, in particular, can quickly get into the seams and apertures of your hearing aid. 

When applying sunscreen, keep your hearing aids in mind as well. It's recommended to take your hearing aids out before applying sunscreen, especially if it is out of a spray bottle. 

Avoiding exposure to debris and wiping your devices down frequently with a clean cloth are the best ways to safeguard your hearing aids from damage. Wipe down your hearing aids whenever you take them out of your ears in the summer. When they've been exposed to your sweat, wipe them down as well. Your hearing aids will last all summer and well into the future if you keep them clean and protected with essential maintenance.

Enjoy your summer vacation, but don't forget to maintain your hearing aids! Cleaning and drying your hearing aids for two minutes each day can make a significant difference in keeping them in good working order. 

If you're having problems with your hearing aids, come see us, where we can clean them thoroughly and handle all of your maintenance needs. And if you're on the market for new hearing aids, you can find current models with special nanotechnology coatings that will help keep your hearing aids protected all summer long.