According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 7.1% of Americans over age 45 wears a hearing aid. If you’re among this population, you may be wondering what you can do to make your hearing aids last as long as possible. Know that they may need a little extra care during the spring months to ensure their longevity. In this post, we review how to protect your hearing aids this spring.
Daily Cleanings
Year-round, your hearing aids are subjected to substances like earwax and dirt, but in the spring, they’ll also come into contact with pollen. You don’t want pollen to get into the ports, cracks or crevices, which is why daily cleanings are especially important during the spring.
To do this, wipe them down with a soft, dry, clean cloth; use a wax pick/wire loop to remove stubborn debris; and open the battery compartment doors and brush them out. For hearing aids with tubing, detach it and wash it in warm soapy water, making sure it’s completely dry before reattaching it.
Avoiding Moisture
You already know that April showers bring May flowers. This is why you need to take care to avoid contact with moisture, especially at the beginning of spring. When you venture out, and it’s raining, wear a rain jacket with a cinched hood or use an umbrella. Also, take your hearing aids out before enjoying any water-related activities.
Getting a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier, or a hearing aid dry box, is a container with a desiccant that works by drawing moisture out of hearing aids. If it’s a humid day or if your hearing aids accidentally have come into contact with moisture, it’s important to have one of these to store your hearing aids in overnight.
Limiting Sunlight Exposure
On sunnier spring days, you also need to be mindful of how much sunlight your hearing aids are exposed to. Just like you can get a sunburn even on a cool sunny day, any heat or sunlight exposure can melt the plastic coating on your hearing aids. Also, don’t put them on a windowsill or in a hot car.
Taking Them Out Before Applying Sprays
Whether you’re spraying sunscreen, bug spray or perfume, you need to take your hearing aids out and put them somewhere safe while you’re applying. To learn more about caring for hearing aids in the spring or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, call Amarillo Hearing Clinic today.
