Is there anything more refreshing than a day at the beach? If you’re planning a beach getaway and rely on hearing aids, it’s important to take some precautions to protect your devices from sand and water. These elements combined with the heat can potentially impact the performance and lifespan of your hearing aids, so it’s important to know how to handle your hearing aids in such an environment.

Getting ready for a day at the beach involves more than just packing sunscreen and towels. If you depend on hearing aids for clear communication and connection with the world, taking steps to protect these important devices from potential damage is a key part of your beach prep. From managing moisture issues to ensuring safe storage when not in use, there are a few things you need to know when it comes to your hearing aids and the beach.

Beach Elements and Your Hearing Aids

The beach, with its mix of sand, surf and sun, can be a bit tough on hearing aids. These devices aren’t built to withstand such harsh elements. But with a little care and awareness, you can still enjoy your beach day without compromising the functionality of your hearing aids.

One of the main threats to hearing aids at the beach is moisture. Whether it’s humidity in the air or unexpected splashes from waves, water can cause serious damage to these devices. It’s important to keep your hearing aids dry and consider using a dehumidifier at night to get rid of any moisture that may have gathered during the day.

Another factor is sand. Small grains can easily get into tiny crevices and mess with the workings of your hearing aids. To prevent this, always handle your devices with clean hands and keep them in a secure case when not in use.

And let’s not forget about heat. Long exposure to high temperatures can affect battery life and overall performance of your hearing aids. Try to keep them out of direct sunlight as much as possible and never leave them in a hot car.

In short, while beaches can pose some challenges for those with hearing aids, they shouldn’t stop you from enjoying these beautiful places. With careful handling and an understanding of how different elements can affect your devices, you can confidently take on any beach day.

Sand’s Interaction With Your Hearing Devices

When we think of sand, we often think of fun-filled days building sandcastles or lounging on the beach. However, for those who use hearing aids, sand can be a risk to their devices. It’s not widely known that just one grain of sand can cause significant damage to the intricate workings of a hearing aid.

Sand particles are incredibly small and can easily infiltrate the tiny crevices in your hearing aids. Once inside, they can disrupt electrical connections and damage the microphone or speaker components. According to a study by Oticon, one of the leading manufacturers of hearing aids, even minimal exposure to sand can reduce the lifespan of these devices by up to seven percent. This is why it’s important to handle your hearing aids with clean hands and keep them in a protective case when you’re at the beach.

Saltwater And Its Effects On Your Hearing Aids

The salty sea breeze and the inviting waves may be a delight for your senses, but not so much for your hearing aids. Here’s why:

Saltwater can cause corrosion: If saltwater gets into your hearing aids, it can cause corrosion and damage the delicate internal components. This is because saltwater is highly conductive and can cause short-circuits in electronic devices.
Salt deposits can block sound: After saltwater evaporates, it leaves behind tiny salt crystals. These crystals can block the microphone or speaker of your hearing aids, affecting sound quality.
Increased moisture levels: The humid beach environment combined with saltwater exposure increases moisture levels in your hearing aids, which can lead to malfunction.

How Do Sun Exposure and Heat Impact Hearing Aids?

Sun exposure and heat are two more elements to consider when caring for your hearing aids at the beach. Just like any other electronic device, hearing aids can be sensitive to extreme temperatures, and prolonged exposure to the sun can cause them to overheat.

Overheating can lead to a decrease in battery life and could potentially damage the internal components of your hearing aids. To avoid this, try to keep your devices in a cool place when you’re not using them, like a shaded area or inside an insulated bag. This will help maintain their performance and prolong their lifespan.

Moisture’s Effects on Your Hearing Devices

Now, let’s talk about moisture and humidity. These two elements are just as influential on your hearing devices as sand and heat. In fact, they can significantly affect the performance of your hearing aids.

Moisture and humidity can cause damage to the electronic components of your hearing aids. This is especially true in beach environments where the air is often saturated with moisture. To combat this, consider using a dehumidifier at night to remove any accumulated moisture from your devices.

Essential Pre-Beach Preparations

Before you set off for a day of seaside fun, there are some key steps to take to ensure your hearing aids are protected. Start by packing a protective case for your hearing aids. This will not only shield them from sand and potential water damage but also provide a safe place to store them when not in use. It’s also wise to pack extra batteries or a portable charger, as the beach environment can sometimes cause faster battery drain.

Another important part of pre-beach preparation involves checking the weather forecast. Knowing the expected temperature and humidity levels can help you plan accordingly and protect your hearing aids from extreme conditions. And even on cooler days, UV rays can still be strong and potentially harmful to your devices. Therefore, try to keep them out of direct sunlight whenever possible.

Protecting Your Hearing Aids at the Beach

Taking your hearing aids to the beach doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little foresight and some practical steps, you can ensure that your devices are well protected against the typical beach elements.

Here’s a quick checklist of things to do:

Keep your hearing aids dry: Use an umbrella or hat to protect them from unexpected splashes or rainfall.
Shield them from sand: Always handle your devices with clean hands and store them in their case when not in use.
Protect from heat: Avoid leaving your hearing aids in direct sunlight or in a hot car.

Effective Ways to Wear Your Hearing Aids at the Beach

First, consider using accessories designed for hearing aids like protective covers or sweatbands. These can provide an extra layer of protection against sand and moisture. Secondly, if you are planning to take a swim or engage in water sports, it may be best to remove your hearing aids and store them in a waterproof case. This way, you avoid any chance of water damage. Lastly, make sure you clean your hearing aids thoroughly after your beach visit to remove any residual sand or salt deposits. These simple steps can go a long way in ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of your hearing devices while still allowing you to enjoy your time at the beach.

Securing Your Devices When Not Using Them

Securing your hearing aids when they are not in use is just as important as caring for them while you’re wearing them. When you’re taking a break from the beach activities, it’s essential to keep your devices safe and protected.

Store in a protective case: Always place your hearing aids in their case when they are not being used. This will help to shield them from sand, moisture and potential knocks or falls.
Keep in a cool place: Avoid leaving your hearing aids in direct sunlight or inside a hot car. Instead, try to find a shaded area where they can be safely stored.

Cleaning Guide For Sand And Saltwater Residue On Devices

After a day at the beach, your hearing aids may have picked up some unwanted souvenirs in the form of sand and saltwater residue. Here’s a simple guide on how to clean your devices:

Start with a soft, dry cloth: Gently wipe down the exterior of your hearing aids. This should remove most of the sand particles and salt crystals.
Use a cleaning brush: If you notice any stubborn grains of sand or dried salt, use a small cleaning brush to dislodge them. Be careful not to apply too much pressure as this could damage your devices.
Open the battery compartment: Sand can get into small crevices and could wind up in your battery compartment. Make sure you don’t damage any inner components by wiping this compartment out thoroughly.

Action Steps If Your Hearing Aid Encounters Water

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, accidents happen and our hearing aids may come into contact with water. Don’t panic! There are steps you can take to mitigate the potential damage.

If your hearing aid gets wet:

Turn off and remove battery: Immediately turn off the device and remove the battery.
Dry thoroughly: Use a soft, absorbent cloth to dry the hearing aid.
Air dry: Leave it to air dry in a warm place but out of direct sunlight.

Regular Maintenance and Check-Ups for Optimal Performance After Beach Visits

Your beach day has come to an end, but the care for your hearing aids doesn’t stop there. Regular check-ups are an excellent idea if you notice any performance issues to ensure timely fixes and optimal performance of your devices after exposure to beach elements. These visits are essential for professional cleaning and routine adjustments of your devices. It’s also an opportunity for you to discuss any issues or concerns you may have experienced during your beach visit.

At Advanced Hearing Plus, we’re here to help you navigate these challenges. Our team of audiologists is ready to provide guidance on how best to manage your hearing aids in different environments. We invite you to get in touch with us at our Springfield, OR location by calling (541) 313-3550.

What You Need to Know About Managing Your Hearing Aids at the Beach