Have you ever heard of a summer bucket list? They’re a fun trend where you make a list of activities you want to get done during summer vacation. Maybe you want to go on a vacation, or there’s a new restaurant you’ve been dying to try, or you want to make sure you have a picnic at Cascade Park while the weather is nice. But don’t forget: the changing seasons can affect your hearing health and your hearing aids, so it’s worthwhile to add a few to-dos to your summer bucket list that will take care of your hearing.
Manage Your Earwax
Spending time outdoors and playing in the water is going to increase your earwax production, as contact with dust, debris and water can all stimulate the earwax-producing glands in your ear. And if you wear hearing aids, those can also increase the amount of earwax in your ears.
If your ears have been especially waxy lately, don’t use a Q-tip to clean them. Instead, use an at-home earwax blockage treatment, such as earwax-softening drops, or visit us for earwax removal.
Additionally, make sure you clean and maintain your hearing aids regularly. Earwax buildup can wreak havoc on hearing aids, clogging ports and vents, damaging speakers and hurting the battery. Inspect your wax guards at least once a week and replace them when necessary. Call us if you need help with this!
Get Your Hearing Checked
Regular hearing tests help you stay on top of any changes to your hearing health and take action if necessary. If it’s been a while since your last hearing test, there’s no time like the present! For reference, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that you get your hearing tested every five years until you turn 65, and after that, every one to three years.
Get a Hearing Aid Dehumidifier or Electric Dryer
You probably already know that moisture is the number-one enemy of your hearing aids. If you don’t already have one, make sure you get a device that can remove moisture. The two most common of these are hearing aid dehumidifiers and hearing aid dryers.
Dehumidifiers are small containers that contain a moisture-absorbing agent, such as silica beads. You place your hearing aids in this jar for a few hours (such as overnight), and the beads get to work absorbing all moisture from the air around them. This is a great solution for managing daily moisture buildup from things like humidity and sweat.
If your hearing aids get very wet, such as from playing in the water or accidentally stepping into the shower without removing them, an electric dryer may be a better option. These remove more water faster, mitigating potential damage from major water exposure.
Put Bangor Audiology on Your Bucket List!
Summer is a time for festivities and fun, but don’t neglect your hearing health and hearing aids. Come see us for hearing aid cleaning and repairs, and ask us if you have any questions about managing your devices in hot weather. Also, if you plan on traveling out of town, ask us about hearing aid care and protection while on the road.
We at Bangor Audiology want you to have a brilliant summer this year. Call us today.