Hearing aids are often considered the premier practical solution to hearing loss in most ranges, regardless of your age. However, while these devices can be extraordinarily helpful, they are also highly sensitive and can be damaged more easily than you might imagine. This damage is almost always preventable, so let’s look at some common causes and what you can do about it.
Sweat And Rain
Any kind of excess moisture can be highly destructive to your hearing aids. While you might be careful never to wear them in the bathroom, such as when showering, that’s not the only moisture you should be careful of. Whether it’s heavy sweat during exercise or getting caught in the rain, this water content can seep into the microphone ports and battery compartments. Even moisture-resistant hearing aids aren’t waterproof, so you have to be careful about how much moisture they’re exposed to.
Air Conditioning And Humidity Hazards
Excessive changes in humidity of any kind can be dangerous to your hearing aids, it doesn’t have to be soaked in water to suffer damage. For instance, the constant exposure to dry, cooled air from an AC unit can cause internal parts to degrade. Similarly, quick temperature changes can cause condensation, which can also damage components, as you can read the full discussion. If you’re using AC to cool the home, it’s best to adjust it gradually.
Hair Products And Cosmetics
Any time you’re going through the morning routine of using hairspray, gel, or even face powder, you should be sure to take off your hearing aids. The particles from these sprays and products can settle in the microphone openings and clog the vents, which can muffle the input or even cause malfunctions. Many of these products also contain alcohol or chemicals that wear down the surfaces and seals that protect the device’s interior.
Pocket Placement And Accidental Crushing
If you have to take your hearing aids out, then you might think to put them in your pockets, especially when eating or working out. However, as convenient as it might be, it’s also one of the most common causes of accidental damage. You can unintentionally sit on them, or they may fall from your pocket when you sit down. For that reason, you should always keep a protective case on your person.
Pets And Small Kids
As small and unfamiliar as they might be, hearing aids can be attractive to kids who are always looking for stuff to play around with. Even more so, their smell is curious to pets as well, with dogs being particularly fond of chewing on them. For that reason, it’s vital to store them in a case and keep that case out of reach of kids and pets, especially given how dangerous the battery can be if eaten.
Your hearing aids should last you several years with the right care and attention, which means being aware of the risks mentioned above and taking steps to prevent them. Ensure that you invest in the right protection and maintenance for your devices to keep them working for longer.
