Hearing aids are vital pieces of your hearing health, as well as your social and physical well-being. You don’t want to suspend all their incredible benefits due to rain. However, if you’re one of the millions of Americans who wear hearing aids, you probably know that hearing aids and moisture don’t mix. You may be wondering: can you wear your hearing aids in the rain?
The answer is yes, you can wear your hearing aids in the rain! You may need to take some precautions, though.
The Risks of Moisture
Any amount of water can potentially cause damage to your hearing aids. Moisture exposure can cause damage to the electronic components of your hearing aids, like microchips or the microphone, as well as the battery and the tubing. Moreover, moisture can get caught in the small crevices of your devices, where it can’t evaporate. This causes it to accumulate, meaning that a small amount of moisture now can lead to a bigger problem later.
Hearing aid malfunctions, such as decreased sound quality, sudden volume changes, and the battery dying, could all indicate serious moisture damage. Get your hearing aids to a hearing aid specialist for repair as soon as possible.
How to Keep Your Hearing Aids Safe in the Rain
Take care of your hearing aids in rainy weather by trying these simple strategies.
1. Cover Them Up
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best one. Keep rain off your hearing aids by covering them up. You can do this by wearing a jacket with a hood, a hat, earmuffs or anything else that can cover your ears. An umbrella would also work well, provided it’s not too windy.
If you get caught in the rain by surprise, even covering your ears with your hands can go a long way. You might consider keeping a spare jacket or umbrella in your car at all times so you always have something to grab if it rains while you’re out and about.
2. Use Hearing Aid Accessories
For a more specialized approach, consider using accessories designed to keep your hearing aids dry. These include waterproof hearing aid covers and sleeves, which are small covers that slip over the hearing aid. Sleeves and covers are effective at keeping rain off your hearing aids, as well as sweat, dirt, wind and moisture from humidity.
3. Dry Them Overnight
Whether you’re caught in a storm or a drizzle, it’s a good idea to put your hearing aids in a dry kit overnight if they’re exposed to any rain. This will gently remove any moisture that may have become trapped in the inner parts of your hearing aids, preventing moisture accumulation. You can also take the opportunity to air out the battery compartment and inspect it for any corrosion, which could indicate moisture damage.
4. Consider Water-Resistant or Waterproof Hearing Aids
Modern hearing aids have come a long way, and protecting against and combating moisture damage is one thing that is subject to constant innovation. Talk to us today about water-resistant and waterproof hearing aids and the benefits they may bring you, especially if you love spending time outdoors in Mobile’s often humid and rainy climate.