We’re nearing the end of February, and the humid spring months are not too far in the future. If you’re one of the 28.8 million people who need hearing aids, you are probably already aware that moisture and hearing aids don’t mix. However, it can be easy to forget that humidity is a form of moisture. Humidity can cause hearing aid issues such as corrosion, reduced sound quality and even malfunctions. Here are some action items you can take now to make sure you’re prepared for the humid season.
Stock Up
Season changes will always have an effect on battery life and activity levels. Now is the time to check your hearing aid supplies at home and make sure you have everything you need: a hard-shell hearing aid case, extra batteries and hearing aid covers to keep humidity out of your devices.
Get a Hearing Aid Dryer
If you don’t have a method to dry your hearing aids, now is the perfect time to get one. It’s better to obtain one now than to find yourself without one when you need it.
Hearing aid dry kits are small jars containing a small moisture-absorbing agent, such as silica gel, which absorbs moisture from the air. You place your hearing aids in the jar, and the moisture-absorbing agent will get to work lifting moisture from your hearing aids and absorbing it. This process can take several hours, so it’s ideal to do it overnight, especially during humid weather.
Another option is electric hearing aid dryers. These work quicker, using a gentle heating element, like a UV light or fan, to evaporate water from your hearing aids. Hearing aid dryers are great if your hearing aids get completely submerged in water by accident and you need a quick fix.
Schedule a Maintenance Appointment
Small issues can become much bigger when the humid season starts. Cracked or damaged tubing can trap moisture, a broken battery compartment door could invite in corrosion on the battery and earwax buildup can trap moisture deep inside your devices, causing malfunctions.
Bring your hearing aids to your hearing health professional for a thorough cleaning and tune-up. This is just like getting your car’s oil changed before a big road trip. We will:
- Clean earwax, dust and debris from any hard-to-reach places. Earwax buildup can clog vents and openings through which moisture might escape, exacerbating moisture issues
- Inspect the delicate components for signs of damage or wear, as moisture exposure could lead to the complete breakdown of parts like these
- Check and replace filters, wax guards, tubing or other replaceable parts, so they’re in peak condition at the beginning of spring
To schedule an appointment for hearing aid cleaning and servicing, call Kampsen Hearing today. We know how important it is to keep your hearing aids in good working order to keep you connected to the world of sound, especially during the lovely spring months.