Protecting Your Hearing Aids During the Fall Season

The fall season brings along so many different changes, and as the temperatures drop and the leaves change colors, those who wear hearing aids experience a number of unique challenges. Hearing aids require special care and attention during any time of year, particularly during the fall months. What do you need to know to ensure that you are protecting your hearing aids to the best of your abilities and ensuring they stay in optimal condition throughout the fall months?

Keep Your Ears Warm

As the weather turns colder, you need to keep your ears warm and, more importantly, dry. Moisture can affect the performance of your hearing aids. As hearing aids are electrical devices, you need to minimize moisture and condensation that comes with extreme changes in temperature. Similar to glasses, but with the notable difference that you cannot see condensation build up inside your hearing aids.

Ensuring that you remove your hearing aids if you are exposing your ears to humidity or heavy rain, and using dehumidifiers or drying boxes, will also be helpful. Leave your hearing devices with the battery compartment open in the drying box overnight for optimal results, and be sure to remove the hearing aid battery to allow the air to circulate more.

You also need to ensure your ears are nice and warm to minimize moisture and therefore its impact on your hearing aids. Invest in a headband or ear muff that covers the ears while still allowing optimal function of your hearing aids.

Being Aware of High Winds

Wind poses a significant challenge to hearing aid users, potentially disrupting their listening experience. The rush of air created by wind can generate a considerable amount of noise, which is then picked up by the microphone of the hearing aid. This can lead to a distortion of sound, making it difficult to discern speech or other essential auditory cues. In outdoor settings, particularly during fall activities, wind noise can become even more pronounced.

It’s especially problematic for those engaged in conversations or trying to appreciate the sounds of nature. Fortunately, there are accessories and features available, like wind-reduction settings or directional microphones, that can help mitigate this issue and enhance the overall effectiveness of hearing aids in breezy conditions.

Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

One of the best defenses is a good offense, and in terms of your hearing aids, you need to prioritize functionality. Establishing a routine cleaning and maintenance schedule is very simple but incredibly effective.

On a daily basis, make sure that you use a soft and dry cloth to wipe away any dirt or particles from your hearing aid, and check the microphone and receiver openings for any blockage.

If you encounter any problems, you can either remove them with a brush or cleaning tool or consult your audiologist for the best approaches to cleaning your device.

Store Them Properly

When you are not wearing your hearing aids, make sure that you use the provided storage case, which will prevent dust and debris from settling on the devices. Always make sure your storage case is kept in a cool, dry place. If your home is particularly prone to condensation because of falling temperatures, keeping that storage case away from direct sunlight and any changes in temperature will be a very effective solution.

Protecting Your Hearing Aids from Extremes

Any extremities in temperature can adversely affect the battery life and performance of your hearing aids, so you should avoid exposing them to direct sunlight for extended periods of time or avoid leaving them in places like your car. While we can’t avoid being in cold conditions during the fall months, we still need to pay particular attention to how our devices function. Investing in a protective pouch can make a big difference here.

Educate Yourself

It’s also essential to understand the specific needs of your hearing aids depending on the season. During the fall, there are changes in temperature, poor weather conditions and many more circumstances that can have an impact on your hearing aids. When in doubt, consult your audiologist for any specific precautions based on the model, and they will keep you up to speed.

Fall is a wonderful season but provides specific challenges for hearing aid users. Some of these tips can help you ensure your hearing aids stay in excellent condition. But if you need any extra guidance, we’re always here to help. You can contact Jul Hearing Aid Solutions at (717) 205-2423 for more information or to book an appointment.