As summer fades and fall rolls in, you may find yourself looking for pumpkins to carve and pulling out your boots for scenic hikes through the leaf-covered Maclay Flat Nature Trail. With all the exciting seasonal activities ahead, it’s easy to forget about an essential item on your checklist: caring for your hearing aids.
Fall can bring unique challenges to hearing aid maintenance due to fluctuating temperatures, exposure to debris and increased moisture. Let’s take a look at a few ways to keep your devices in top shape throughout the season.
Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean and Free of Debris
Whether you’re raking leaves, visiting pumpkin patches or going on brisk hikes through the woods, fall is filled with outdoor activities. While these seasonal activities are fun, they can cause dust, dirt and debris buildup in your hearing aids. To keep them functioning correctly, make it a habit to clean your devices every evening. For an extra layer of protection, consider using hearing aid covers when heading outdoors. They’ll help keep unwanted debris from clogging your devices and impacting your listening experience.
Monitor Battery Life in Cooler Weather
Cooler temperatures can cause hearing aid batteries to drain faster than usual. When planning fall excursions like apple picking or attending outdoor festivals, bring extra batteries or a portable charging case if your devices are rechargeable. This precaution will help keep your hearing aids powered up so you can enjoy uninterrupted conversations. If your hearing aids have a smartphone companion app, you can easily monitor the battery level through the app, ensuring you never run out of power unexpectedly.
Safeguard Your Hearing Aids During Fall Sports
Whether you’re tossing around a football with friends or cheering on your favorite team, fall sports are a staple of the season. If you’re planning to stay active, ensure your hearing aids are secured with clips, cords or lanyards that attach to your clothing. These accessories can help prevent your devices from falling out or getting lost during fast-paced activities.
Watch Out for Moisture and Humidity
Although fall is generally less humid than summer, fluctuating weather conditions can still pose a moisture risk for hearing aids. To minimize moisture buildup, keep a dehumidifier or drying case handy. These tools help absorb excess moisture from your devices overnight, extending their lifespan and ensuring optimal performance.
Enjoy the Season Without Worry
Approximately 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from using hearing aids. Remember, regular cleaning, securing your devices during physical activities and monitoring battery life will help keep your hearing aids in peak condition. If your devices accidentally get damaged amidst all your fall fun, contact Western Montana Hearing and Speech today for a specialist repair.