Summer in Greater Houston is no joke — the heat, the humidity, and all those outdoor activities you've been looking forward to. If you wear hearing aids, a little extra care this time of year goes a long way toward keeping your devices working the way they should.
Here's what we tell our patients across our Houston, The Woodlands, League City, and Kingwood offices every spring.
Keep Moisture Away from Your Hearing Aids
Moisture is the number one enemy of hearing aids during summer. That includes pool water, lake water, rain — and yes, sweat. The delicate electronic components inside your devices weren't built to handle a soaking, and even repeated light exposure adds up over time.
If your hearing aids do get wet, gently wipe them down with a dry cloth as soon as possible. For heavier moisture exposure, a hearing aid dehumidifier or drying kit overnight can help draw out trapped humidity before it causes damage.
A study published through the National Institutes of Health confirmed what we see in practice every summer: high humidity and heat are leading causes of hearing aid malfunction. The good news is that most of this damage is preventable.
What About Swimming?
Most standard hearing aids are not waterproof — water-resistant ratings vary by model and wear quickly with age. When in doubt, take them out before getting in the water.
Be Careful with Sunscreen and Bug Spray
This one surprises a lot of people. Sunscreen and insect repellent can work their way into the microphone ports and receiver openings of your hearing aids, leaving a residue that interferes with sound quality.
A simple habit protects you: apply sunscreen or bug spray first, let it absorb, then wash your hands thoroughly before handling your devices. Keep the products away from your ears while applying.
Store Hearing Aids in a Cool, Dry Place
Avoid leaving your hearing aids in direct sunlight or in a parked car. Temperatures inside a vehicle on a Houston summer day can climb well above 130°F — that level of heat can warp components, degrade the battery, and shorten the life of your devices significantly.
When you're not wearing them, store your hearing aids in their case in a shaded, climate-controlled spot. A bedroom nightstand works well for most people.
Use the Right Accessories for Outdoor Activities
If you're active outdoors — walking, gardening, fishing, playing with grandkids — there are accessories designed to help. Sweatbands made for hearing aids, retention clips, and sport sleeves can keep devices secure and add a layer of protection against perspiration during physical activity.
Ask us about options that fit your specific hearing aid style. What works for a behind-the-ear device is different from what works for a smaller in-the-ear model.
What If Something Goes Wrong?
If your hearing aids stop working correctly this summer, don't wait. Our on-site repair lab handles most issues the same day — no long shipping delays, no being without your devices for a week. Stop by any of our four Greater Houston offices and we'll take a look.
And if you've been putting off addressing your hearing because of a bad experience in the past — with a device that never quite fit right or wasn't followed up on properly — we'd welcome the chance to start fresh. Schedule a free, no-obligation hearing consultation at the location most convenient for you.
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Written by Darrell Cornelius, Board-Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist and co-owner, Best Hearing Aid Solutions