According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, 30% of adults over 70 with hearing loss and 16% of adults 20 to 69 with hearing loss use hearing aids. If you’re one of this population, it’s important to take proper care of your hearing aids when enjoying certain activities, like visiting Isle of Palms County Park. We provide tips below.
Avoid Contact with Sand
A major source of damage to hearing aids is sand. You should take your hearing aids out as soon as you hit the sand if it’s a windy day, as the wind can easily kick it up and into your hearing aids. When you take them out, be sure you don’t just set them on a towel, which will likely become covered in sand from wind and people walking across it. Instead, store them in a hearing aid case placed within a tote bag or backpack.
Avoid Contact with Water
It’s no secret that hearing aids and water do not mix. Even hearing aids with protective Nano-coatings and high IP ratings are not 100% waterproof. You should take your hearing aids out before you even approach the water – you never know when you’ll get splashed or when a sneaker wave will knock you down.
Take Care with Humidity
In the same vein, keep in mind that the South Carolina beaches are humid. While there’s not much you can do to stop the moisture in the air from infiltrating your devices, there is a way to remove it. You can invest in a dehumidifier to store your devices in at the end of your beach day.
Take Care with Sunscreen
The chemicals in aerosols can also impact the functioning of your hearing aids. Take out your hearing aids and put them somewhere safe, like in their case, while you apply sunscreen.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
If it’s a sunny day, wear a wide-brimmed sun hat to avoid direct sunlight hitting your hearing aids. When you take them out and put them in their case, try to stash them somewhere shady, like in a bag under a beach umbrella.
For more information on hearing aid services and repairs or to schedule an appointment, call Charleston ENT & Allergy today.