It’s the height of summer, when out-of-office messages become the norm and families head out on warm-weather adventures. With all that time outdoors, it’s important to take care of your hearing and take appropriate steps to protect both your hearing and your hearing aids.
Some favorite activities, like boating, concerts, and outdoor workouts, are perfect in the summer but can also affect hearing health. The Fourth of July is over, but revelers may still set off a firework or two. Take precautions by keeping a safe distance and bringing earplugs, as fireworks can produce noise levels between 125 and 155 decibels – the same as a jet engine. For those who enjoy outdoor concerts and live music, try sitting away from the speakers or stage and take breaks from the loud music. Rock on for years to come! And if boating is more your speed, an idle engine runs at 60 decibels (safe), ramping up to 90 decibels when flooring it. At those levels, you may be yelling to your fellow boaters over the engine and wind, and prolonged exposure could cause damage.
Be sure to protect your hearing while enjoying all that summer has to offer!
Summer also brings high temperatures and even higher humidity. Hearing aids are sophisticated medical devices designed to meet your daily needs, with features such as water resistance and overall resilience against the elements. However, to maintain a long lifespan, routine drying is essential. You can learn more about hearing aid dehumidifiers and dryers here.
If traveling, remember to pack extra batteries or your charger in your carry-on bag or keep them close to your person. If you need to troubleshoot your device while out and about, it’s always a good idea to ensure your hearing aid app is up to date and connected so you can resolve any issues and get back to the fun. And make sure that when you head home, your hearing aids do too! A great tip is to place your hearing aids in a brightly colored tray (like a peanut butter lid) so they stand out as you take a last look at your hotel room before checking out.
This summer, don’t let hearing loss slow your fun in the sun. Take simple steps to protect your hearing and maintain your hearing aids. If you think you’re experiencing symptoms of hearing loss, be sure to reach out to a licensed hearing care professional in your area.
The Hearing Industries Association is the trusted voice on hearing health care for product innovation, public policy, patient safety and education.
