- Transitioning Your Hearing Care from Summer to Fall - October 5, 2024
- Understanding Hearing Loss and the Genetics Behind It - September 28, 2024
- Lifestyle Changes That Reduce the Risk of Dementia and Hearing Loss - September 14, 2024
As the warm breezes and long days of summer give way to the crisp air of fall, we often find ourselves adjusting our routines and preparing for the change in season. For individuals with hearing challenges, these transitions are also a time to consider the unique demands that the cooler weather can place on their hearing health and hearing aids. Let’s look at how you can adapt your hearing care routines to enjoy optimal hearing health from one season to the next.
Battling the Elements: Moisture and Temperature Changes
One of the main challenges of fall, particularly for hearing aid users, is the increased exposure to moisture due to rain and even snow. While many modern hearing aids are designed to be resistant to moisture, excess water from precipitation can still pose a risk.
Tips for Moisture Management:
- Use a dehumidifier: At the end of the day, place your hearing aids in a dehumidifier to dry out any moisture they may have accumulated.
- Dry cloths or kits: Always have a dry cloth handy to wipe down your hearing aids after coming inside from the rain, and consider investing in a hearing aid drying kit.
- Ear gear: Specialized covers for hearing aids can protect them from rain and moisture.
As temperatures drop, it’s also important to protect your hearing aids from the cold. Batteries can drain more quickly in cold weather, and plastic components may become more brittle.
Tips for Temperature Control:
- Keep spare batteries: Carry extra batteries during colder months as they may need more frequent changing.
- Protect against cold: Keep your ears and hearing aids covered with a hat or ear muffs when temperatures drop.
Staying Active: Embracing New Seasonal Activities Safely
Fall often includes a range of outdoor activities, from walking through leaf-strewn parks to attending outdoor fall festivals or a Halloween party. It’s important to participate safely, protecting both your hearing and your hearing aids.
Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Fall Activities:
- Hearing protection: If you’re planning on attending noisy events like football games or concerts, don’t forget your hearing protection.
- Secure your hearing aids: Make sure your hearing aids are secure, especially when engaging in activities like hiking or jogging where they might be jostled or dislodged.
- Adapt to new environments: Visit your hearing care professional if you have trouble hearing in new or challenging environments. They may be able to adjust your hearing aids for better performance.
Adjusting to New Routines
The fall season often brings new routines, such as returning to school or work environments that may have been disrupted during the summer.
Tips for Routine Adjustments:
- Equipment check: Make sure that your hearing aids are functioning correctly and are well-suited to dynamically changing acoustic environments.
- Connectivity: Many hearing aids now offer Bluetooth connectivity. Take the time to connect your devices to your phone, computer, or classroom audio systems to make sure you don’t miss a beat.
Maintaining Your Equipment: The Right Time for a Check-Up
Transitioning seasons is the perfect time to schedule maintenance for your hearing aids. Just like servicing your car or having your furnace checked before winter, hearing aid maintenance is essential for optimal performance.
Tips for Hearing Aid Maintenance:
- Professional cleaning: Book an appointment with your hearing care provider for a professional hearing aid cleaning and hearing aid check-up.
- Filter and wax guard replacement: Have your hearing aid filters and wax guards checked and replaced if necessary.
- Firmware updates: Ask your provider if there are any firmware updates available for your hearing aids so they’ll be up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.
Ready for a Change? Hear Better This Fall
If you have noticed any changes in your hearing or if it’s been a while since your last check-up, the start of fall is the ideal time to reach out to your hearing care professional for a hearing test. Maintaining your hearing health is not just about adjusting to the seasons; it’s about enhancing your overall quality of life.
Contact us today to schedule your next hearing test and hearing aid maintenance. We’ll make sure you’re heading into the fall with the best hearing solutions to improve your hearing and your well-being.