Ahh… summer in Arizona. Where the heat shows up and settles in like it owns the place. While most of us are figuring out how to keep our iced drinks cold and wondering if you really can cook an egg on the asphalt, hearing aid users have a few extra hurdles to clear. The good news is that with a little preparation and a sense of humor, you can stay comfortable, connected, and cool all season long.
Let’s address the pool right away, because if you live in Arizona, it is practically part of your daily routine. Hearing aids and water are not teammates. Even devices labeled as water resistant are not designed for swimming or splashing around. Before you cannonball in or even dip your feet, make it a habit to take your hearing aids out and store them in a safe, dry case. It sounds simple, but it is one of the most common ways people accidentally damage their devices. A good rule of thumb is this: if you are headed toward the water, your hearing aids should be headed in the opposite direction.
Of course, pools are not the only source of moisture. Summer heat, dry or not, has a way of bringing on sweat the second you step outside. That moisture can build up over the course of the day and affect how well your hearing aids perform. The fix is not complicated. Wipe them down when you can, and give them a proper dry-out overnight with a dehumidifier or a drying kit. Think of it as a nightly recharge for the whole device.
About the dry heat… heat is a factor that deserves regard. Leaving your hearing aids in a parked car in July is basically asking them to endure a survival test in an oven. It rarely ends well. Keep them with you or store them somewhere cool whenever possible. If you wouldn’t leave your phone out in the heat, remember that your hearing aids deserve the same treatment.
And then there is wind, which Arizona can serve up with dramatic flair. That whistling or rushing sound can be frustrating, especially during conversations. A well-fitted device makes a big difference, and even small adjustments can cut down on that noise. Wearing a hat or positioning yourself out of direct wind can also help keep things clear and comfortable.
Batteries tend to feel the effects of the heat too. If it seems like they are not lasting as long, you are not imagining it. Keeping a spare set nearby or making sure your charger is ready to go can save you from those inconvenient moments when everything suddenly goes quiet.
The key to all of this is consistency. A quick daily check, a safe place to store your hearing aids when you hit the pool, and a little awareness of the heat can go a long way. Hearing aids are meant to enhance your life experience. Whether that means hearing birds on early morning walks, enjoying conversation at backyard barbecues, or an afternoon floating in the pool. With a little extra care, your hearing aids can keep up with every song, laugh, and splash along the way.
Lynn Callaway at Affordable Hearing Solutions has been serving the greater Green Valley area for 10 years. Affordable Hearing Solutions strives to provide knowledgeable, friendly, personal service and the most advanced technology at an affordable price. Call us at 520-399-3220 or visit us at 170 N La Cañada Dr. #90, Green Valley, AZ 85614.
