While the monsoon season can be productive for the environment, it can be problematic for users of hearing aids. The season’s rain and humidity can affect both hearing health and hearing devices. With annual care during the rainy season, the health of the hearing devices can be maintained, and it can ensure the user has the ability to hear daily without interruption.
At San Hearing Clinic, we ask hearing device users to heed the following recommendations.
Why Monsoons Are Problematic for Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are sensitive electronic devices that hearing aid users must take special care of during the rainy season due to the high humidity and exposure to rain. Hearing aids during the monsoons can suffer from:
- Degraded Sound Quality
- Malfunctions
- Corrosion
- Shortened Battery Life
- Increased Repairs
Keep Your Aids Dry
If hearing aids are ever exposed to moisture, they must be wiped dry with a lint-free cloth. Hearing aids cannot be dried using a hair dryer because the heat can further damage the device. The best way to remove moisture from hearing aids is to use a hearing aid drying kit.
The best way to avoid the damage monsoon moisture can do is to always have an umbrella.
Protect Them from the Rain
A hearing aid user must either have an umbrella or a waterproof hood. If the user’s aids are exposed to a heavy downpour, the user must remove the aids and place them in a waterproof case.
Hearing Aids Hygiene
Embracing humidity can make hearing aids unclean by causing earwax to dirty the hearing aids. To avoid this, hearing aids should be cleaned daily, especially the microphones, receivers, and earmolds, with tools provided by the audiologist.
Hearing aids should be kept in a cool, dry place, and the battery compartment should be kept open to allow trapped moisture to evaporate.
Ear Hygiene
Excess moisture in the ear canal means that ear infections are more likely in the rainy season. Ears need to be kept dry after getting wet.
Cotton swabs and sharp objects should not be inserted into the ear as these can cause injury or push earwax deeper. If any pain, discharge, or sudden changes in hearing occur, a hearing specialist should be consulted.
Battery Maintenance
Hearing aid batteries, especially the disposable type, should be stored in a dry container to prevent moisture and aid battery performance. Disposable batteries should be replaced as needed.
The hearing aids should be placed in their charging station according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to prevent moisture.
Conclusion
Monsoon season is no excuse to compromise on your hearing experience. To protect this investment and get consistent functioning even in the rainy season, keep hearing aids dry, routinely clean them, store them properly, and practise good hygiene to your ears.
Monsoon’s wet conditions can affect hearing aid users, but San Hearing Clinic has experienced hearing care professionals to provide support all year round. Regular hearing aid maintenance can help users hear clearly all year round. Book an appointment today and maintain your hearing aids and hearing health in tip-top shape throughout the year.
