It’s finally spring! We can go back outside and enjoy nature, gardening, backyard barbeques, trips to the zoo and more. With spring comes more sunlight and moisture, which can be concerning for those who use hearing aids. Here are some tips from your local hearing aid providers on caring for your hearing aids in the spring!

Spring clean your hearing aids

We recommend cleaning your hearing aids at least once a week to ensure they’re functioning as they should. Earwax can build up and affect the inner workings of your hearing aid, and an excess of pollen and other debris can also create problems. It’s always best to wipe them down after use and use the right tools when cleaning them. Feel free to ask us what cleaning products and tools we recommend!

Charge them frequently

A dead or worn battery can rust and corrode inside your hearing aid. When the battery begins to run out, be sure to charge it and replace the battery as needed. You can easily check the power of your battery with a battery tester. It’s also a good idea to leave the battery compartment open while you sleep at night to enhance the life of your battery and the quality of your hearing aid.

Limit exposure to water

Too much moisture is bad for your hearing aids. In the spring months, you’ll want to limit exposure to sweat, water and humidity as best as you can. Take off your hearing aids while showering or completing an intense workout to help protect them from too much moisture. The spring months come with rain and an increase in humidity, especially in Nebraska, so it may be best to also take them off while in a very humid environment.

Use a dehumidifier

A dehumidifier helps remove excess moisture from your hearing aid, and it can also prevent bacterial growth which contributes to itchy ears. It’s good to get in the habit of checking your hearing aid tubing and battery compartment for drops of moisture. You can also ask us which dehumidifier we recommend!

Take precautions when applying sunscreen

Sunscreen is a good idea for protecting your skin in the warmer months, but you will want to avoid sunscreen build-up on your hearing aids. The oils in sunscreen can negatively affect the functionality of your hearing aids. Take precautions when spraying or applying lotion sunscreen; cover your hearing aid or set it aside while applying, and wash the sunscreen off your hands before putting your hearing aid back in.

Keep your hearing aids out of direct sunlight

The plastic coating on your hearing aids is susceptible to melting when exposed to direct sunlight for too long. If you have longer hair, it can help provide shade to your hearing aid, but you will want to try and choose shady areas when possible. Also, don’t forget them in your car as they’ll get too hot.

Store your hearing aids in a cool and dry place

Always store your hearing aids in a cool and dry place when you’re not using them. Try not to set them by a window that gets lots of sunlight. It’s best to find a safe spot and continuously use it to ensure they don’t get lost or damaged.

Ask your hearing aid providers any questions

Don’t hesitate to ask your local hearing aid providers about caring for your hearing aids. If you have questions about which cleaning products and tools to use, what dehumidifier is best or anything else, definitely ask so you can know you’re caring for your hearing aids in the best way. Contact us today with any questions, comments or concerns!