September is just around the corner and with it comes back-to-school, fall sports, apple picking and harvest festivals with your friends. Taking good care of your hearing aids will help you hear everything this season has to offer.
Benefits of Hearing Aids in the Fall
Your hearing aids provide numerous benefits, not just for your hearing, but also for your social, physical and emotional health all year long. But fall is an especially great time for clear listening. Consider:
- Attending sporting events. Planning on tailgating at a local game or traveling to an NFL football game? The sounds of these events are a big part of what keeps energy high and spirits soaring. Worrying about hearing can dampen the fun.
- Getting outside. Changing leaves create stunning scenery in Waterville, and a walk in the park is particularly delightful in the fall. Enjoy the full sensory experience of being outdoors on a beautiful fall day and listen to the birds singing, the leaves crunching and children playing.
- Spending quality time with family. As temperatures cool, youāre more likely to spend your time indoors with blankets and hot cocoa, surrounded by the people you love. Participate fully in the conversations around you.
You want to ensure that your hearing aids are working at their peak before fall starts to make sure you can fully enjoy this season. Letās discuss ways to do that.
Keep them Clean
This may seem obvious, but it is critical to maintain a regular cleaning regimen for your hearing aids. Cleaning them daily keeps earwax buildup at bay. Wipe them off with a cloth (we recommend microfiber) and use a wax pick or wax loop to remove stubborn earwax.
If neglected, earwax buildup can:
- Clog vents, leading to internal damage
- Block sound, causing distorted sound quality
- Cause feedback
- Affect comfort or cause your hearing aids to fall out
All of these things can affect the performance of your hearing aids, which is the last thing you want to do this fall.
Protect them from Moisture
Moisture accumulation is another major hazard for hearing aids. While hearing aids are designed to be durable, they arenāt 100% waterproof. Moreover, if water gets inside the body of the hearing aid, it is trapped and cannot evaporate on its own. This leads to:
- Battery corrosion, which leads to major power issues
- Distorted sound
- Damage to the digital components
While wearing your hearing aids during the day, protect them from moisture by wearing a scarf or hat over them, especially on foggy or rainy days. And in the evenings, after your cleaning routine, place your hearing aids in a dehumidifier kit to gently remove any moisture that may have accumulated during the day.
Visit Your Audiologist
As we discussed in our blog post last week, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your hearing aids and keep their performance at its best by visiting your audiologist regularly for professional cleanings and tune-ups. About 28.8 million American adults need hearing aids and can benefit from the lifestyle improvements they bring. We want to be a part of your hearing aid journey this fall and all year. Contact us today to book a cleaning appointment or to learn more about hearing aid care and maintenance.