It’s certainly possible to enjoy a day at the beach with your hearing aids, but there are some precautions you must take. If you’ve got a beach bash scheduled or are heading somewhere tropical now that the weather is cooling down, here are some things to keep in mind to keep your devices safe.
When To Take Them Out
You should take your hearing aids out when:
- You’re going in the water. Water causes serious damage to hearing aids, so avoid the risk altogether and take them out if you’re in the water, even if you’re only wading up to your ankles. You never know if you might get splashed or knocked down.
- Sand is a concern. Sand can get stuck in vents, clog ports and affect hearing aid performance. If you’re going to be building a sandcastle, or if it’s a windy day and you’re worried about it kicking up sand, take them out.
- You’re putting on sunscreen. The oils in sunscreen can clog microphones and vents and make the surface sticky, increasing the likelihood of sand or dust sticking to your hearing aids. Remove your hearing aids before applying sunscreen, and wash your hands thoroughly before reinserting them.
When you take your hearing aids out, store them smartly. Have a waterproof plan on deck at all times. Don’t rest them on a beach towel, which could get sandy with foot traffic, or in the direct sun. Bring a protective case or even a plastic bag that seals shut to keep water and sand out, and store it out of the sun in your beach bag.
Other Hazards to Be Aware of
- Direct sun. Extreme heat can damage electrical components and the hearing aid battery. As mentioned above, don’t store your hearing aids in the direct sun, and while wearing them, sit in the shade or wear a wide-brimmed hat whenever possible to stay out of the direct heat.
- Humidity. Moisture in the air can cause water damage, too. There isn’t a lot you can do to mitigate humidity, but you can put your hearing aids in a dehumidifier or dryer once you get home to remove moisture.
What to Pack
- As mentioned above, bring hearing aid storage or a bag to stash them in when you take them out. This storage solution should be waterproof and sealed completely to keep sand out.
- A wide-brimmed hat to keep off the sun rays.
- A hearing aid brush. This is a great solution for scrubbing sand off. If you don’t have a brush, a clean, dry toothbrush works well.
If you notice any issues with your hearing aids after your day at the beach, call South Valley Ear Nose & Throat – West Jordan to set up a service or repair appointment. Getting the issue checked out as soon as possible can prevent it from getting worse and potentially save your hearing aids.