Floridians live here because of the weather, the beach, the ocean – the list goes on! While there are very few downsides, for some of us, we have to take extra care while enjoying all that Florida has to offer. Those of us who use hearing aids to reconnect to the sounds of our life may want to pay more attention to making sure our devices stay safe and dry!
It doesn’t take too much to ensure that your trusty devices stay clean and moisture-free. For every situation that might pose a danger to your hearing aids, there’s a way to ensure that they come through just fine.
Moisture
Moisture is the #1 concern regarding hearing aids. About 60% of out-of-warranty repairs are made due to moisture-related damage. The threat that moisture poses to your hearing aids depends on where you live, your individual body chemistry, and your hearing aids themselves. Phonak currently manufactures a hearing aid that can be worn in the shower and submerged up to 50cm (1.64 feet), but wearers of other models should do what they can to keep their hearing aids clean and dry.
If you’re headed to the beach, remember that salt water poses an extra concern. The salt crystallizes once the water evaporates, which can be catastrophic for electronic devices. If you’re headed to the beach, bring a waterproof container to keep your hearing aids inside. Keep your hearing aids out of high humidity whenever possible, though this can be tough, especially when we go from an air-conditioned space into the outdoors. If you live in a particularly humid climate, sweat a lot, or otherwise think your hearing aids are exposed to a lot of moisture, it could be good to invest in a hearing aid dehumidifier.
Heat
Excessive heat can harm the electronics and the casing of your hearing aids. Exposure to direct sunlight can also discolor them. Remember that the temperature inside a vehicle will climb much higher than the temperature around it, and this can destroy a set of hearing aids. Always have a way to carry your hearing aids out of the car with you, even if you’re not wearing them at the moment. A case or charging case is a must!
Sand
Even though you may stash your hearing aids in a waterproof case at the beach, your hands or the case itself may be covered in sand when you are ready to put your hearing aids back in after a swim. Sand can get into the microphone openings and other tiny spaces in a set of hearing aids, causing big time damage. This is one good reason the container you put your hearing aids inside should be waterproof: you can wash sand and other debris off of it before you open it again. Similarly, make sure your hands are not sandy or salty when you handle your hearing aids.
Sprays
Bug spray, sunblock spray, tanning oil, whatever it may be: it shouldn’t get near your hearing aids! Any of these typical summertime topical sprays will leave a residue behind and may clog or damage parts of your hearing aids. It may also damage the plastic casing, so make sure to take your hearing aids out before you spray yourself down! Wipe your ears with a clean, dry cloth before putting your hearing aids back in, and be sure to wipe your hearing aids when you take them out later.
Consider Professional Cleaning
It’s a good idea to have your hearing aids professionally cleaned from time to time. This involves a very thorough process of dehumidification and cleaning inside and out. Moisture doesn’t always cause a problem right away, but can slowly harm your hearing aids over time. You might even find that after a professional cleaning, your hearing aids work a little better. Debris and moisture trapped inside microphone and speaker openings can impede their normal functioning, and a good cleaning can make your hearing aids work (and look) as good as new again!
Choose Hearing Aids With Your Lifestyle in Mind
Our team will help you with this: finding hearing aids to fit into your lifestyle. If you’re an active person, certain kinds of protection should be more of a concern when you’re selecting a set of hearing aids. Nano-coatings help with moisture resistance, and you may want to select a model that is more water-resistant. Talk to us about your needs and we can help you select a pair of hearing aids that measures up to the task!
IP Ratings
“IP” stands for “ingress protection.” Devices are rated by how protected they are against solids and liquids. An IP rating is a two-digit number—eg, IP68—where the first digit indicates protection against solid material, and the second digit indicates protection against moisture. A high rating on both digits is important for devices that will be exposed to any amount of moisture. A rating of IP67 is common for hearing aids today, while some reach IP68. This means they are “dust-tight” and can handle immersion in shallow water for up to 30 minutes. This still isn’t something you want to intentionally put your hearing aids through! Over time, moisture still damages hearing aids.
If you or a loved one may be in need of hearing aids, make sure to get the most enjoyment out of all that Florida has to offer and make an appointment for a hearing test today!