Winter has finally relinquished its icy grip and thousands of people are flocking to tropical areas for an early taste of the sun. There is nothing worse than the leftover winter mess during March.
Since you have been able to keep your hearing aids in good shape in the cold season, you can still be proactive in keeping them intact during your spring getaways. You just need some important information about protecting your hearing devices.
Spring is one of the optimal times of year to enjoy warmer weather earlier. Millions of people head to the beaches of sunny Florida the first three months of the year. Some of them also want to feel the heat in Arizona or relax in the paradise of Hawaii. No matter to which tropical destination you are heading, your hearing devices will be affected by the changes in the environment. Because of this fact, it is important to prepare your hearing devices to remain safe during climatic changes.
Natural Elements That Can Affect Hearing Aids
Nothing can be more relaxing than an afternoon of rest and recreation on the beach. Unfortunately, the elements in this blissful environment can wreak havoc on your hearing devices. These sensitive devices have a complicated system of tubes, microphones, and points of contact. Things such as water, sand, suntan lotion, and even perspiration can corrode and destroy your devices. Due to customer demand, some manufacturers have developed protective measures to keep your hearing aids safe for outdoor summer fun. Do not stay holed up in a hotel with dread again.
Nano-Protection For Hearing Aids
One of the greatest enemies of hearing aids is excessive heat and moisture. Some manufacturers have produced a unique nano-coating that provides a barrier against these protagonists. This technology was actually developed by the military to give protection to soldier’s uniforms. Instead of penetrating the object, the liquid just rolls off the object without absorption. It is almost like a Scotch guard for hearing devices. The nano coating is microscopic; however, is works as an excellent repellent. Eventually, the military shared its technology with other businesses—such as hearing aid manufacturers.
Since every manufacturer is different, some may only put a nano-coating on certain parts of the hearing device. Better quality ones cover the whole device and its components with this special coating. It is important to know what type of nano-coating your hearing aids have before your go on your beach excursion.
Other important factors to consider are if the device is made of materials that resist moisture and is sealed against water and earwax. There is a big difference between being “water-resistant” and “waterproof”. These are things you need to know to keep your devices from being ruined.
Hearing Aids With Noise Reduction
People who have hearing aids often complain of the irritating whistling and screeching emitting from their hearing device because of wind and background noise. No matter what you summer activities involve, these noises can be a nuisance. You may not be able to hear conversations and other things you need to hear. Many folks have to spend a frustrating day trying to adjust their hearing devices to compensate for the wind and other noises.
New hearing device models offer noise and wind reduction features. This technology shields the sensitive microphone from wind interference while it enhances levels of conversation. Others models reduce wind interference by placing the microphone in the ear, which is called CIC models (completely-in-the-canal). For older models that hook over the ear, special wind guards are available that can reduce the breezy aggravation. Your audiologist can advise you on the best options so you can have a great time during your summer activities.
Summer Accessories That Benefit Hearing Aids
Some less expensive or older models may not offer nano-coating and other noise reduction features. That still does not mean that you cannot enjoy getting out this spring and summer. There are a few accessories that can make your life a little easier.
You may not even want to wear your hearing devices while swimming in the ocean or in a pool. Instead of leaving them in your hotel, you can purchase a small portable safe that will keep out any water or moisture. There are also add-on covers that you can buy that block the wind. Neoprene sleeves cover the whole hearing device and prevent damage from water, sand, or dust. If you feel like you do have some moisture in your hearing device, you can buy a drying kit that can fix them. Even something as simple as a sweat band can cover your ears to protect your devices.
What Type of Hearing Aid Protection is Best
Your audiologist or hearing aid specialist will be happy to help you decide what type of protection your devices need depended on your activities. He or she can tell you the protective features on your current hearing devices and can recommend the best type of shields or other barriers if you do not have a nano coating. It may be time to upgrade your hearing aids.
Whatever you decide, you can travel and have fun this spring and summer with confidence. Hearing aids are an expensive investment and they enhance the wonderful conversations and other sounds around you. Talk to your audiologist today about protection. Do not miss another conversation or concert again. You can have a wonderful summer season this year!
About Dr Stella Fulman
Dr. Stella Fulman, AU.D., CCC-A received her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Audiology from Brooklyn College in 2004 and her Doctorate of Audiology from Salus University in 2008. [ Learn More ]
