Celebrate Summer With the Best Hearing Possible

Summer is in full swing and it’s time to check off your to-do list: a great book, a new swimsuit, and most importantly, ensuring your hearing is in top shape. Embracing the season means soaking up every joyful sound and making unforgettable memories. To help you and your loved ones enjoy a summer full of clear, vibrant hearing, here are some essential tips for protecting your hearing aids during the warmer months.

Keep Your Ears Safe

Swimmer’s earplugs—What you need to know:

1. Prevent Ear Infections. Moisture and ears don’t always mix well. Swimmer’s ear, or otitis externa, is an outer-ear infection often caused by bacteria or fungi when water irritates the ear canal. Although treatable, this condition can lead to temporary hearing loss and discomfort. Quality swimmer’s earplugs are essential for keeping water out and reducing the risk of infection. Properly inserted earplugs are a must for anyone planning to swim or engage in water-related activities.
2. Not Just for Swimmers. Swimmer’s earplugs are a versatile tool for more than just aquatic activities. If you work outdoors in the heat, earplugs can help keep sweat away from your ears. It’s a good idea to keep several pairs in various locations such as at home, at work, or in your car. Protective earplugs are beneficial whenever your ears might get wet.
3. For All Ages. Earplugs are not exclusive to adults. Children are especially susceptible to ear infections caused by moisture. To safeguard your child’s ears, use earplugs before they swim or bathe, keep their ear canals clean, and dry their ears thoroughly after exposure to water. Always insert earplugs with clean hands to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Safeguard Your Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are crucial for staying connected to the world around you. However, they can be sensitive to water and extreme temperatures. Follow these tips to keep them in optimal condition:

1. Avoid Extreme Heat. Hearing aids can be damaged by high temperatures. Store them in a cool, dry place and never leave them in a hot car or near other sources of heat.
2. Keep Them Dry. Remove your hearing aids before swimming, showering, or using a hot tub. Always store them in their protective case instead of loose in a pocket or purse. This helps prevent damage from moisture.
3. Daily Maintenance. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe your hearing aids daily. This practice helps remove moisture and debris, reducing the risk of damage and prolonging the life of your devices.
4. Prepare for Rain. Unexpected rain showers can be a nuisance. Keep a hat or umbrella handy to shield yourself and your hearing aids from rain.
5. Give Batteries a Break. At night, take the batteries out of your hearing aids and leave the battery door open. This helps to reduce moisture build-up and extends battery life.
6. Understand Water Resistance. Even water-resistant hearing aids are not waterproof. Keep them away from showers, pools, and hot tubs to avoid immersion and potential damage.
7. Use Hearing Aid Covers. Hearing aid covers are excellent for protecting your devices from splashes, dust, and dirt. They are a simple yet effective way to add an extra layer of protection.
8. Invest in a Hearing Aid Dryer. A hearing aid dryer or dehumidifier is a valuable tool. It not only dries and sanitizes your devices while you sleep but also serves as a secure storage container.

Check Your Hearing Regularly

Just as you schedule regular checkups for your eyes and teeth, your hearing needs attention too. Consider these questions to evaluate your hearing health:

• Do you have trouble understanding people wearing masks?
• Do others often seem to mumble or speak too softly?
• Is it difficult to follow conversations during video calls?
• Are you frequently exposed to loud noises?
• Does your family complain about the TV volume being too high?
• Do you struggle to hear during phone conversations?
• Do you miss important words in conversations?
• Is it challenging to hear someone speaking from a distance?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions or it’s been a while since your last hearing evaluation, it may be time to consult with a licensed audiologist.

Embrace Summer with Optimal Hearing

Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, and hearing your best can make all the difference. Let Dr. Esther Fogel and the staff at Comprehensive Audiology help you enjoy every moment with clarity and confidence. Located at 261 Broadway in Lynbrook, we are dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their hearing. To schedule an appointment, call 516-387-4000 or book online at comprehensiveaudiology.com/schedule-appointment. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Google, YouTube, and Instagram @comprehensive_audiology for the latest updates and tips.

Enjoy your summer to the fullest by taking care of your hearing! n

Comprehensive Audiology, at 261 Broadway in Lynbrook, helps people of all ages live better by hearing their best. Appointments can be made by calling 516-387-4000 or by scheduling online at comprehensiveaudiology.com/make-appointment. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Google, YouTube, or Instagram @comprehensive_audiology.