Looking After Your Hearing Aids During the UK’s warmer weather

While Wales may not be known for tropical temperatures, recent summers have brought increasingly warm weather, and that can present challenges for hearing aid users.

Just like smartphones, laptops and other electronic devices, hearing aids can be affected by heat, humidity and moisture. Taking a few simple precautions can help keep your devices performing at their best throughout the summer months.

Why Warm Weather Can Affect Hearing Aids

Modern hearing aids are highly advanced pieces of technology. Although they are designed to withstand everyday use, prolonged exposure to heat, sweat and moisture can impact their performance.

Common summer-related issues include:

• Moisture build-up from perspiration
• Reduced battery performance in extreme temperatures
• Blocked microphones from sweat or debris
• Discomfort caused by increased humidity
• Temporary sound quality issues

The good news is that most of these problems are easily preventable.

1. Keep Hearing Aids Cool and Dry

Avoid leaving hearing aids in direct sunlight, on windowsills, in conservatories, or inside parked cars where temperatures can rise quickly.

When not wearing your hearing aids, store them in a cool, dry location away from heat sources.

If you've been outside on a particularly warm day, allow your hearing aids to cool naturally before charging or storing them.

2. Manage Moisture and Sweat

Warm weather often means increased perspiration, especially during exercise, gardening or outdoor activities.

Excess moisture can enter microphone ports and battery compartments, potentially affecting performance.

To help protect your hearing aids:

• Wipe them gently with a soft, dry cloth each evening
• Remove any visible moisture before charging
• Consider using a hearing aid drying box or dehumidifier overnight
• Remove hearing aids during activities where excessive sweating is likely

3. Take Extra Care During Exercise

Walking, cycling and outdoor fitness activities are great for your health, but they can expose hearing aids to more sweat and movement.

If you're particularly active:

• Consider retention clips or sports sleeves for additional security
• Wear a lightweight hat to provide shade
• Clean hearing aids promptly after exercise

For those who enjoy cycling along the North Wales coast, protecting your hearing aids from both sweat and wind can improve comfort and sound quality.

4. Be Careful Around Water

Many modern hearing aids offer excellent moisture resistance, but that doesn't make them waterproof.

Always remove hearing aids before:

• Swimming
• Showering
• Using a hot tub
• Visiting a sauna or steam room

If your hearing aids accidentally become wet, switch them off if possible and contact your audiologist for advice.

5. Check Wax Build-Up More Frequently

Warm weather can sometimes increase earwax production, and moisture can cause wax to soften and move within the ear canal.

Blocked wax can affect both your hearing and the performance of your hearing aids.

Signs you may need an ear health check include:

• Muffled hearing
• Whistling or feedback
• Hearing aids sounding quieter than usual
• A sensation of fullness in the ear

Regular ear examinations and professional ear wax removal can help keep both your ears and hearing aids functioning properly.

6. Rechargeable Hearing Aids and Summer Travel

If you're heading away this summer:

• Pack your charger and cables
• Avoid charging devices in direct sunlight
• Keep hearing aids in hand luggage when flying
• Take a portable power bank if you'll be away from mains electricity for extended periods

High temperatures can reduce battery efficiency, so keeping devices cool can help maintain performance throughout the day.

Enjoy Summer Without Missing a Moment

Whether you're enjoying a walk along the promenade, attending family gatherings, or simply relaxing in the garden, well-maintained hearing aids help you stay connected to the sounds that matter most.

A little extra care during warmer weather can prevent problems before they occur and help your hearing aids continue performing at their best all summer long.

If you're experiencing issues with your hearing aids, or would like advice on cleaning, maintenance or ear wax removal, the team at Coastal Hearing is always happy to help, just give us a call.