Protecting Your Hearing Aids During the Fall Season

There’s so much to love about fall: shorter days, leaves turning golden brown and many activities to enjoy in a laid-back season. However, the unpredictable and usually cold weather requires extra care if you use hearing aids. Believe it or not, the fall season can affect your hearing aid’s performance and hearing experience. So, before you head out to enjoy your seasonal activities or go about your business, ensure you’re protecting your hearing aids.

Why You Need to Protect Your Hearing Aids During Fall

So, why is protecting your hearing aids important during the fall season? Firstly, extended exposure to cold wind can damage hearing batteries. Swinging between warm environments and cold ones can cause condensation in your hearing aids. That means moisture can corrode the receiver and microphone while clogging the earmold tubing. Too much moisture in your hearing aid can also lead to static sounds in your device. Your hearing aid will cut out during loud sounds. In some cases, the sound can fade or come and go. The sound may also become unclear or distorted.

Upgrade to a Modern Device

If your hearing aid is older, now may be the time to consider upgrading it. Hearing aids are usually the most vulnerable to the damaging effects of condensation and moisture. Talk with your hearing care provider about a dehumidifier which helps you to drain away any water exposure. Your hearing professional can talk to you about different features, if you are thinking about upgrading your hearing aids. You can ask about Bluetooth connectivity, noise reduction and tinnitus masking features.

Visit A Hearing Professional

Regular checkups or visits to a hearing professional are important throughout the year, especially during the fall. As mentioned, changing weather conditions can affect how your device performs. In this case, professional maintenance is the best way to ensure that your hearing aid continues to perform in top condition during the season. A hearing professional can also clean and inspect your device for any sign of malfunctioning or issues you may not be aware of.

Weatherproof Your Hearing Aids

One of the best protective measures in fall is to weatherproof your device. Fall comes with a mixture of rain and cold wind – two main reasons regarding condensation and moisture. You can invest in specially designed hearing aid covers to protect your device from these natural elements whenever you’re outside. These covers act as shields, preventing water from seeping into your device and damaging its sensitive components. But you can take things a step further by carrying an umbrella whenever it rains.

Invest in a Hearing Aid Battery Tester

A battery tester is a great acquisition during fall, especially when you intend to spend much time outside. It allows you to test your batteries and check how much power they contain before you step outside. This way, you know if you need to charge your device a little or swap your old batteries with new ones. Having a tester will prevent your device from going off when you’re far from home. Sometimes, the weather may be too cold to handle tiny batteries when replacing dead ones. It’s even more difficult when wearing gloves because of the cold. Most battery testers are portable, so you can carry them around and occasionally check your battery performance. You can visit a hearing care provider to determine which is best for your device.

Keep Your Device Clean and Store it Properly

Proper protection and maintenance start with regular cleaning. Aside from moisture, dust and debris from falling leaves can make their way into tiny areas in your hearing aid, causing blockages and damage. To prevent this, clean your device as often as possible. You can buy a hearing aid brush or use a soft and clean cloth to remove dirt and debris from the microphone and receiver ports. But don’t end there; ensure you store your device properly when not in use.

If your hearing aid has a sealed storage compartment, keep it there whenever you’re not using it. Also, keep your device away from moisture and use a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels in your home from fluctuating.

Fall may be a pleasant season to be outside, but it can affect how your hearing aid performs. Always protect your device from moisture buildup and condensation during this season to keep it in optimum condition. Don’t hesitate to speak with a hearing professional for further assistance on protecting your device. To learn more about Life Hearing & Tinnitus Health Centers.

contact us today at (239) 963-2429.