How Humidity Affects Your Hearing Aids

Today, there is a wide range of hearing aids on the market that are suitable for hearing issues at different levels alongside maximum suitability for their users. The purpose of hearing products is to help a person with hearing impairment of varying degrees of severity continue to maintain a normal, comfortable and communicative lifestyle as much as possible. The hearing aids from being electronic devices run on batteries and consist of a microphone to absorb the environmental sounds, a volume amplifier and a speaker designed to transmit the sounds to the user’s ear. However, can our atmospherics damage or affect the quality of the hearing aid, and if so, what can be done about it? Humidity is an issue that affects us mostly in the warmer summer months and throughout Autumn in some areas. Of course, it is not only the weather that brings humidity; this can also occur in bathrooms and kitchens at home. A hearing aid lasts about six years if you do the cleaning routines recommended by an audiologist. Hearing aids are increasingly waterproof and dustproof, but meticulous cleaning makes it possible to keep them longer in better conditions. Hearing aids are well integrated into the ear canal and therefore combining humidity with the presence of earwax, moisture and heat, it can cause strange noises emitting from the hearing aid or it may break down altogether. However, if you do not adhere to this, then certain atmospheres could shorten the length of your hearing aid’s life.

Humidity

Humidity causes a lot of moisture on the hearing aids, which can be inevitable if you play sports. This makes it difficult to keep our hearing aids dry. Humidity is one of the main causes of hearing aid problems. Moisture and sweating of the ear accumulate in the hearing aid and thus decrease the life of the battery, reduce the sensitivity of the device and cause other problems. The causes are many, from sweating in the gym to weather humidity as we already pointed out, therefore the most important thing to note is how you can avoid this issue. Your hearing aid may falter if you do not take some measures. After all, your hearing aids are in constant contact with your sweating, body fat and earwax. It is common for your body to produce more earwax in response to the presence of your hearing aids and when this is mixed with humidity, it can pose a concern.

Tips to Avoid Moisture Damage to Hearing Aids

Hearing aid and humidity: There can be a defect in the electrical circuit from humidity so you need to avoid the damage as much as possible. Humidity is the sworn enemy of electronic components. One of the regular maintenance gestures of your hearing aids is to use a dehumidification box or a kit to dehumidify your hearing aids. In case of discomfort, malfunction or loss of hearing comfort, only one option: take stock with your audiologist to check your device and hearing. You don’t want the hearing aid to become even more damaged. However, following these tips will greatly assist you in reducing moisture in the ear:

• Use a dehumidifier and a drying pear or an electric dehumidifier, after practicing a sport. They help prevent excessive moisture.
• If you are wearing your hearing aid whilst working out, wearing a headband is recommended to prevent sweating from saturating the hearing aids.
• Hearing aids tend to collect bacteria when exposed to excessive moisture. Daily cleaning will significantly reduce the risk of infection and the cost of repairing hearing aids.
• All devices must be dried regularly; ideally, every day. For this purpose, use a drying cup and special capsules or a drying box.
• Ask your audiologist for the products to use for cleaning, they should have in the clinic everything you need for maintenance. If you use the best products directed by professionals, you can improve your hearing aid’s life.

After all, many of us rely on our hearing aids day to day, therefore when they appear to be in poor working order, then we must seek to find a remedy. Humidity and dampness are certainly an issue not to be taken lightly. It could be costly and generally problematic if these issues arise, so be sure to follow the tips well! For more information on how to take care of your hearing aid, please learn more about Desert Hearing Care today at (480) 374-1846.