According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, “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 among this population and you wear hearing aids, you may be wondering how you can protect them during the spring when the rainy weather hits. We review how below.
Clean Your Hearing Aids Every Day
Not only are your hearing aids exposed to the usual earwax and dust, but pollen can also collect on them during the springtime and even infiltrate the ports and crevices. This is why daily cleanings are especially important during the spring.
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.
Avoid Moisture
April showers bring… Well, you know how the saying goes. During the rainy season, you should take care to avoid letting moisture come into contact with your hearing aids. This means wearing a rain jacket with a cinched hood or using an umbrella whenever you venture out in the rain to go to Westfield San Francisco Centre on Market Street.
Invest in a Dehumidifier
Even if you keep your hearing aids away from raindrops, there is more moisture in the air during the spring. To prevent this moisture from damaging your hearing aids, we recommend investing in a dehumidifier. This box contains a desiccant that you store your devices in overnight. It works by drawing moisture out of your hearing aids, similar to how rice does if you put your phone in it after dropping it in a puddle.
Take Them Out Before Applying Sunscreen
During sunny days, it’s important to wear sunscreen; however, you should take out your hearing aids before applying it to prevent damage. Aerosols are especially bad for your hearing aids.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call San Francisco Audiology today.