The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reports that, “One in eight people in the United States (13 percent, or 30 million) aged 12 years or older has hearing loss in both ears.” If you’re one of this number and you wear hearing aids, it’s important that you know how to protect your investment during the spring months. In this post, we review tips on how to protect your hearing aids this spring.
Clean Your Hearing Aids Daily
Your hearing aids are subjected to earwax and dust year-round, but during the springtime, they can also collect pollen, particularly within the cracks and crevices. This is why you should continue daily cleanings.
To clean your hearing aids:
- First wipe them down with a soft, dry, clean cloth.
- Then use a wax pick or wire loop to scrape off stubborn debris.
- Next open the battery compartment and brush it out.
- If your hearing aids have tubing, detach it and wash it in warm, soapy water once a week; wait until it’s completely dry before reattaching it.
Avoid Moisture
As you know, spring is an especially rainy season. Be mindful to avoid the rain, and when you do need to venture out in it, wear a rain jacket with a cinched hood or use an umbrella. Similarly, take them about before doing water activities like swimming.
Invest in a Dehumidifier
You should also pay attention to the fact that there is more moisture in the air during the spring, which can also be damaging. This is why we recommend investing in a dehumidifier, which is a box that contains a desiccant that you store your devices in overnight. It works to draw moisture out of your hearing aids.
Take Them Out Before Applying Sunscreen
You should wear sunscreen whenever you’re outside, whether it’s sunny or cloudy. However, you need to take out your hearing aids before applying it. Aerosols are especially damaging for hearing aids. For more information about protecting your hearing aids or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, call Hearing Advancement Center today.
