Spring is upon us and with spring comes sudden downpours heavy enough to ruin hair and damage electronic devices. Of the electronic devices we want to shield from rain, hearing aids are some of the most important.
Why Is It Important To Keep Hearing Aids Away From the Rain?
Hearing aids are delicate instruments with a battery, a microphone that collects sound, an amplifier that raises its volume and a speaker that delivers it to the ear. When water comes into contact with any of these parts, it can quickly corrode the materials, damaging your devices. Because we rely so heavily on our hearing aids to help us understand our loved ones, coworkers and favorite baristas at Blu Fig Café, a malfunctioning device is the last thing we want.
Tips To Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
In a perfect world, the rain would skirt around us, leaving our hair nicely styled and our clothing and electronics dry. Unfortunately, we cannot control the weather, and when a sudden downpour leaves you scrambling for cover, the best way to protect your devices is to remove or cover them.
Remember to use an umbrella or raincoat to help keep water away from your devices when it rains. You can use hearing aid covers for an extra layer of protection. If possible, remove your devices and store them in their designated case until the rain has stopped and you have no water in or around your ears.
What To Do if Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Accidents happen, and when they do, knowing how to react can save your devices from unnecessary damage. If your hearing aids get wet, take the following steps:
- Remove your hearing aid batteries promptly and leave the battery compartment open.
- Gently pat the exterior of the hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth to remove any moisture.
- Use a hearing aid dryer or dehumidifier to remove moisture from the internal components. Place the hearing aids in the dryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions and allow them to dry thoroughly. Alternatively, you can use an approved drying jar designed to absorb moisture. Avoid rice or other makeshift drying methods, as they may not be effective and could potentially introduce debris to the hearing aids.
- After drying, leave the battery compartment and access doors open overnight to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate.
- Inspect the hearing aids carefully for any signs of damage, such as corrosion, discoloration or changes in functionality. If you notice any issues with sound or power, contact your hearing aid specialist for a repair.
- Consult your device manual for further instructions or warranty information.
Approximately 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from the use of hearing aids. Taking good care of your hearing aids will help ensure you can enjoy them for years to come. To learn more about caring for your devices, contact North Shore Audio-Vestibular Lab today to make an appointment with one of our specialists.