Whether you love it or hate it, winter is on its way. Temperature changes can cause moisture-induced damage to your hearing aids, so now is the time to start prepping your devices.
Make Winter Maintenance A Daily Routine
Condensation can form on your hearing aids as you venture in and out of your toasty home to the chilly world outside. That moisture can wreak havoc on the sensitive mechanisms of your hearing aids.
It’s especially important to perform daily checks on your hearing aids. Watch out for:
- Moisture on the mic, receiver, or tubing
- Frayed or cracked tubing
- Wax build-up on the earmold or sound outlet
- Old or corroded batteries
Walking In A Winter Wonderland
Invest in the proper protection so your hearing aids function properly during all or your outdoor outings this winter.
Cover your head: If you’re taking a snowy walk or running from the rain make sure to cover your head with a hat or umbrella to block precipitation from your hearing aids.
Leave hearing aids at home: For intense activities like skiing or ice hockey opt to leave your hearing aids at home. They will be protected from perspiration and you won’t risk damaging or losing them outside.
Invest in earmuffs: It’s important to protect your ears and your hearing aids from loud noises like snow blowers so try out a pair of noise-cancelling earmuffs.
Quick-Fix Drying Tips
Pay attention to where you’re storing your hearing aids and batteries. Never leave hearing aids in your car overnight and find a temperate, dry place to store batteries. If your hearing aids are exposed to moisture take action immediately.
- Remove batteries and leave the compartment open to dry overnight.
- Invest in a drying kit or dehumidifier.
- Place hearing aids near a gentle heat source like a lamp.
- Put hearing aids in a bag with rice or silica gel to absorb moisture.
- Set a fan or hairdryer on a low setting to dry hearing aids.
If your hearing devices begin to cut in and out, produce distorted sound, or have static interference it may be time to visit your audiologist to assess any damage.
Visit our locations in Scarsdale, New York City, and Stamford, CT to learn more about how we can help you protect you hearing aids this winter. Call us at 888-832-9966 or contact us online.
