As winter brings winter rain, it’s time to consider how the increased moisture levels could impact your hearing aids. We’ve compiled some practical tips to make sure your hearing aids stay in good working order throughout the wet season.
Can Rain Damage Hearing Aids?
Like any other electronic device, hearing aids shouldn’t be exposed to water or moisture. Moisture can cause damage to various electrical components of the hearing aid, including circuitry, microprocessors and wiring. Moisture can have a particularly devastating impact on the battery, causing shortened battery life, sudden power issues and corrosion, the last of which can render the entire hearing aid device unusable.
Hearing Aid Care Checklist for Wet Weather
Don’t let moisture damage your hearing aids and disconnect you from the world of sound. Follow these basic guidelines to keep your hearing aids safe and dry.
You Will Need
- Hard shell hearing aid case. If you need to remove your hearing aids for any reason, keep a case on hand to store them safely until you’re ready to put them back in. Hard shell cases will be more water-resistant and keep your hearing aids dry.
- Hearing aid sleeves. Hearing aid sleeves are small, soft covers that slip over the body of the hearing aid to protect it from rain, sweat and wind. They may be made of silicone, spandex or other similar soft materials.
- Drying equipment. At a minimum, you’ll want a hearing aid dry kit. These small jars contain a moisture-absorbing agent, such as silica gel, which removes moisture from your hearing aids. They work passively and slowly, making them ideal for drying overnight. You may also want an electric hearing aid dryer, which uses heat or light to dry your hearing aids faster. Dryers work well if your hearing aids have been drenched.
- Umbrella, jacket with a hood, hat, etc. Any method to keep rain off your hearing aids will help, and that includes basic rain protection, like an umbrella or a hooded jacket.
Plan Ahead
It’s a good idea to keep rain protection gear within reach at all times in case you get caught unawares in any situation. Consider things like the following:
- Put a jacket or umbrella in your car.
- Keep a hearing aid case in your purse.
- Store hearing aid sleeves in the center console or glove compartment of your car. (If you don’t already, you can also do this with hearing aid batteries!)
Make It a Routine
If you know there’s rain in the forecast, add a couple of steps to your daily routine.
- Bring a jacket, even if you don’t think it will rain, or you’ll be cold.
- Grab hearing aid sleeves at the same time you grab your phone, wallet and keys.
- Dry your hearing aids overnight. At the end of a wet day, take your hearing aids out and put them in a dry kit overnight to dry thoroughly. You may even consider doing this on dry days, too, as sweat and winter condensation can all cause moisture to accumulate in your hearing aids without you noticing.
We at Spartanburg-Greer ENT & Allergy want your hearing aids to serve you well and have a long lifespan. If you notice any signs of moisture damage, come see us for a maintenance and repair appointment. Call today to schedule or find out more information about how to prevent moisture damage.