Summer brings not only sunshine and warm temperatures, but also the challenge of coping with heat waves. Hearing aid users may face additional challenges, as high temperatures and humidity can affect the performance and comfort of their devices. But don’t worry: With a few simple tips to prevent overheating, you can keep your hearing aids in top condition.

How can I protect my hearing aid from overheating?

Heat Waves and Hearing Aids – With our six tips, you can ensure that your hearing aids continue to work reliably even during the hottest days of the year and that you literally keep a cool head. Remember to pay attention to your hearing aids’ needs and care for them properly so you can enjoy the summer to the fullest.

  1. Protect your hearing aids from direct sunlight: Hearing aids should never be exposed to direct sunlight, as this can cause them to overheat and become damaged. Therefore, it’s recommended that you wear a hat or cap during extended outdoor activities to keep your hearing aids in the shade.
  2. Avoid excessive moisture: Sweating isn’t just uncomfortable—it can also cause moisture to get into your hearing aids. Therefore, use special moisture absorbers or drying cases to remove moisture and keep your hearing aids dry.
  3. Plan your outdoor activities: Try to avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day and instead be active during the cooler morning or evening hours. This not only reduces the risk of overheating but also ensures comfortable conditions for your hearing aids.
  4. Wear lightweight and breathable clothing: Clothing made of lightweight materials such as cotton allows for better air circulation and helps regulate body temperature. This also reduces the risk of excessive sweating and moisture getting into your hearing aids.
  5. Clean and maintain your hearing aids regularly:
    Regular care
    —that is, cleaning and maintaining your hearing aids—is especially important for removing dirt, sweat, and moisture. Use special cleaning solutions and tools
    to extend the life of your devices. Your hearing care professional can advise you on the best products to use.
  6. Visit your hearing care professional: If you experience problems with your hearing aids during the summer months, it’s advisable to see a hearing care professional. They can inspect your devices and clean them professionally, ensuring they function optimally.

Cooling off in the water: Modern hearing aids are splash-proof

By the way, many hearing aids can handle splashes of water. However, you should not submerge your hearing aids in water. While “waterproof hearing aids” offer good protection against water these days, they are not completely waterproof.[/vc_column_text]

Hearing aids with an IP68 rating can be used in water for short periods of time. They offer complete protection against dust and are protected against brief submersion in water up to 1.5 meters deep for a maximum of 30 minutes. For your everyday life, this means: The hearing aids can survive a fall into the bathtub or being worn accidentally in the shower. However, you should not swim with them for hours on end. In addition, the hearing aids must be dried immediately after coming into contact with water.

Are my hearing aids IP68-certified?

To find out if your hearing aids offer the necessary water protection, you can check the IP protection rating. This information can be found in your hearing aid’s technical data sheets; check there for details on functions and features. The first digit of 68 (6) indicates protection against dust, and the second digit (8) indicates that your hearing aid is “waterproof.” If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your hearing care professional.

Modern hearing aids are designed to help you hear better for many years to come. However, this requires proper care. Since hearing aids come into direct contact with your skin, cleaning them regularly should be just as routine as brushing your teeth every day. Check out our best tips for hearing aid care.