With fall just around the corner, pumpkin carving kits, spiced baked goods and cinnamon-scented candles have hit the shelves. While you’re enjoying your favorite parts of the season, take some time to think about how to best care for your hearing aids during all your cool-weather cheer.
Whether you’re playing in a pickup football game, taking in the scenery on a hike or spending a weekend raking leaves, understanding the risks these activities pose to your devices can help you take essential safety steps. Let’s take a look at four potential fall risks and what you can do to safeguard your devices.
1. Increased Risk of Moisture Buildup
Fall weather often brings cooler temperatures which can cause condensation to build up in your hearing aids when moving between warm indoor environments and the chilly outdoors. Moisture buildup inside your hearing aids can damage internal components, reducing functionality. If you spend a lot of time moving between warm and cold environments, it’s a good idea to store your devices in a dehumidifier overnight to prevent any moisture-related issues.
2. Watch Out for Campfires
Roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over a campfire is a great way to enjoy the fall weather, but the heat can put your hearing aids at risk. To prevent heat damage, remove your devices or wear a sweatband over them when stoking or sitting too close to your campfire.
3. Exposure to Dust, Debris and Pumpkin Goo
Autumn means falling leaves, dust, debris and pumpkin goo. Whether you’re raking the yard, hiking or carving a fun design on a big orange pumpkin, wet pumpkin guts or dirt can easily find their way into your hearing aids. This can clog microphones or block sound channels, reducing your hearing aids’ performance. To avoid this, clean your devices regularly with a soft cloth and use a specialized cleaning tool to remove debris. Clean your hands before touching your devices if you’re carving pumpkins or working in the yard.
4. Physical Damage During Fall Sports
Fall sports like touch football or soccer in Ascarate Park are fun but also pose a risk to your hearing aids. Rough movements, falls or sudden impacts can knock your hearing aids loose, damaging them or causing you to lose them altogether. To prevent this, secure your hearing aids with clips or lanyards attached to your clothing, or opt for a headband or sweatband to keep them in place during sports. If your device do incur damage, contact your hearing aid specialist for a repair.
In 2019, approximately 7.1% of adults aged 45 and up enjoyed the clear communication hearing aids offer. While some fall activities can put your hearing aids at risk, you can still enjoy the season by taking a few precautions. Contact Tinnitus & Hearing Experts to speak to one of our hearing aid specialists for more advice on caring for your devices.