Summertime Care

It’s summertime! As the

weather warms up, we

begin to find ourselves

outdoors more and more.

From walks or hikes

among the redwoods, kayaking

or lounging at the

beach, or gardening, we’re

ready to be outdoors once

again.

Make sure your hearing

aids are tuned up and

ready to go. As your

audiologist has explained,

these medical devices

need regular maintenance

to ensure they work

optimally. On a weekly

schedule, I advise my

patients to wipe down or

gently brush their hearing

aids to remove any build

up of dust or debris. A visual

inspection and, when

necessary, a changing of

the wax filters is also a

good idea. The build up

of dust in the hearing aid

microphones or wax in

the speakers can cause the

device to sound weak or

not as loud.

During the warmer

months, regular care for

hearing aids may include

some time in a dehumidifier.

We often refer to

these as “dry and store”

kits or containers. These

dehumidifiers can be as

simple as a container with

a desiccant packet to a

box that plugs in and has

a fan and UV lighting. If

you have a dry and store

kit, make sure to read the

instructions or ask your

audiologist how to use it.

For many, summer may

mean more time around

the water … and hearing

aid accidents. Most new

er hearing aid have the

highest water resistance

rating (IP68). So a quick

drop in the pool or soak

in the shower won’t do

too much, if any, damage.

Simply dry off the

hearing aids and use your

dry and store kit. If the

hearing aid sounds weak

or not quite right, let your

audiologist know. We

will check it, replace any

necessary parts, or send it

in for further repair.

Additionally, keep

a carrying case with

you. Sometimes, there

is a need to remove

your hearing aids (like

when you go surfing!).

Keeping your hearing

aids in a safe place is

always a good idea (think

about that retainer you

accidently threw out

because it was wrapped

up in a napkin!). I like

to suggest a hard case.

Turn the hearing aids off

(not mute!) and place

them inside the case,

preferably in a cooler

location - not a hot,

parked car. If you are

not sure how to turn off

the hearing aids, ask

your audiologist. If they

are left on and enclosed

in a case, it will not

only use up the battery

but also likely make the

hearing aids “whistle”

or “squeal.”

Finally, make sure to

schedule your 6 month

or annual hearing aid

check and cleaning.

A general hearing aid

check and clean usually

involves a cleaning,

(just like your mobile

phone or laptop, hearing

aid need to be updated,

too). For some, a monthly

cleaning is ideal. This is

a good idea if you tend to

be on the very waxy side

or if general maintenance

is difficult because of vision

or dexterity issues.

If you have questions

about hearing aid care,

just ask! A well-functioning

hearing aid

means a happy and

healthier you!