A day at the beach makes for a perfect summer day: soaking up the sun, splashing in the waves and eating a picnic with your family. If you wear hearing aids, it’s certainly possible to enjoy a beach day to its fullest, but there are some extra considerations you’ll need to take into account.
Hearing Aid Hazards at the Beach
The biggest things you need to watch out for when you’re at the beach are:
- Water
- Sand
- Sun & direct heat
- Humidity
- Sunscreen & other oils
Here are some dos and don’ts on how to manage these hazards and still have the perfect beach day.
Do
- Remove your hearing aids when putting on sunscreen. Lotions and oils in sunscreen can clog vents and microphones and make the surface sticky.
- Store them in a case. Bring your hearing aids out of direct sunlight and away from sand, and protect them from being stepped on or lost.
- Cover your hearing aids. Consider using hearing aid sleeves or covers to block water, humidity and sand, and wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep them shaded from direct sunlight.
- Make a shady spot. Bring a big beach umbrella or other canopy so you have somewhere shady to sit.
- Remove your hearing aids when getting in the water. Even if you’re just wading and don’t plan on getting your face wet, it’s good to be cautious.
- Dry your hearing aids when you get home. Use a dehumidifier or drying kit after your day at the beach to remove any moisture build-up.
Don’t
- Don’t wear your hearing aids into the water.
- Don’t touch your hearing aids with sandy hands. Sand can get stuck in the nooks and crannies of your hearing aids. Rinse your hands well after playing in the sand before touching your hearing aids.
- Don’t leave your hearing aids lying on the towel. As stated above, use a hearing aid case. Setting them down on the towel opens them up to the risks of heat, getting stepped on or getting sandy from feet walking over the towel.
- Don’t leave your hearing aids in the car. This seems like an easy solution, as it removes your hearing aids from the hazardous environment, but a car left in the sun can get dangerously hot, which can cause major damage to your devices.
Additionally, don’t delay coming in for help if you notice issues with your hearing aids after your beach day. If you notice diminished sound quality, malfunctioning, power issues or other problems, bring your hearing aids straight to us at M.K. Larson Audiology for a service appointment.
