Common Summertime Hearing Aid Problems

It's no secret that the summertime can be a difficult season for people who wear hearing aids. It can be hard to keep your hearing aids from malfunctioning between the humidity and the heat.

First, let us take a look at the main styles of hearing aids.

There are three main styles of hearing aids: in the ear (ITE), behind the ear (BTE) and in the canal (ITC). Each style has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so it's essential to choose the one that is best suited for your needs:

• BTE hearing aids are biggest type of hearing aid and are visible when worn. They are also the most robust and can withstand more wear and tear than other hearing aids. However, they can be susceptible to moisture damage.
• ITE hearing aids are smaller than a BTE hearing aid and fit in the outer bowl. As a result, they are less visible when worn and are more comfortable in hot weather. However, they can be more challenging to insert and remove, and they are not as durable as BTE hearing aids.
• ITC hearing aids are the smallest type of hearing aid and fit entirely inside the ear canal. As a result, they are almost invisible when worn and are very comfortable in hot weather. However, they can be more challenging to insert, remove and handle if you have dexterity issues, because of their size.

Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean

One of the most important things you can do to prevent hearing aid problems in the summer is to keep them clean. Dust, sweat and other debris can accumulate on the device and cause it to malfunction. So be sure to clean your hearing aids daily with a soft cloth and mild soap.

Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry

Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of hearing aids. When moisture gets into the hearing aid, it can cause the electronics to malfunction. If you live in a humid climate or sweat a lot, you may want to consider using a dehumidifier to keep your hearing aids dry. You should also avoid storing your hearing aids in moist places, such as the bathroom.

Another common problem during the summer is moisture accumulation. This can be caused by sweat, rain or even humidity. To prevent this, it's essential to keep your hearing aids dry. If they do get wet, remove the batteries and allow them to dry completely before putting them back in.

Dealing with Increased Wax Production

During the summer, your body may produce more earwax than usual. This can cause problems for hearing aids, as the wax can clog up the device and prevent it from working correctly. To prevent this, clean your ears regularly and remove any wax buildup from your hearing aids.

Wax is another enemy of hearing aids. When wax builds up in the ear canal, it can block the sound from reaching the hearing aid. It would help to clean your ears regularly with a soft, dry cloth to prevent this. You should also avoid using cotton swabs to push the wax further into the ear canal.

Taking Care of Your Batteries

Batteries are another essential part of keeping your hearing aids working correctly in the summer. Unfortunately, the heat and humidity can cause batteries to leak and damage hearing aids. To prevent this, store your batteries in a cool, dry place.

If you follow these tips, you'll be able to prevent common summertime problems with your hearing aids. However, if you experience any issues, be sure to contact your audiologist for help.