Summer is here and that means heat and humidity, perspiration and pools—all of which can be damaging to your equipment! Additionally, some kids don’t want to take the device off. “For little kids, just tell them ‘We don’t wear these in the water. They will break” advises Cheryl Broekelmann, MA, LSLS Cert AVEd and Director of St Louis Operations for St Joseph Institute. “For older children, tell them why. Water will damage them and then you won’t be able to wear them.” If they really won’t leave them off, talk with your provider about waterproof device. “Many manufacturer offer options for children” says Dr Liz Bush, Au.D., CCC-A. “But check to be sure you understand the full limitations of these devices. Many are water resistant but this does not mean waterproof”.
In order to avoid a costly repair, here are some tips for keeping your cochlear implant (CI) or hearing aid (HA) in shape and the sounds of summer loud and clear:
a) LET’S GO TO THE POOL! If you will be participating in water activities, remove your device even if you plan on not getting your head wet. “It’s not good enough to have them in but avoid water on your head. Any water can damage the device”, says Dr Bush. Before entering the water, store them in an air tight container such as a plastic dry aid jar. Be sure to place this container out of sunlight or extreme heat, which can also effect the function and life of your devices and batteries. Don’t leave it in your car – temperatures can reach 125 degrees in a closed car.
b) BABY, ITS HOT OUTSIDE…. Utilize accessories that prevent perspiration from entering your devices. “Even sweat can affect sound quality” warns Dr. Bush. Protective sleeves such as “Ear Gear” come in many colors designed to keep sweat out. Also, watch for condensation in your earmold tubing as it can cause a hearing aid to sound intermittent. The mold should be blown out with an earmold blower and then placed in a dryer.
c) SPF EVERYWHERE….but your device. When applying sunscreen be sure to keep it off of your devices (but don’t miss the tops of those ears!). Just a drop on a microphone can damage your device and seriously affect sound quality!
d) PUT IT TO BED……..The most important thing? At the end of EVERY day this summer, place your devices in a drying jar or box overnight! Be sure the battery doors are open and the container lids are closed tightly, as this process takes several hours. Forget one night or at Grandma’s and forgot the box? In an emergency, place your devices in a bag of uncooked rice to draw out moisture for 24 hours.
e) OOOPS…..DEVICE IS IN THE POOL, WITH THE KID. Remove both immediately. Put the kid back in the pool but place the device in your drying kit overnight with the battery doors open. “Even if it was just a minute and seems to be working, it should still be placed in a dryer. Leave it there for 8-10 hours to be sure all moisture is gone”, advises Dr Bush. “Water is one of the worst things for CI and HA – it’s just not worth the risk for optimal, continuous quality hearing.”
• If you have earmolds, remove them from the hearing aid and use your earmold blower to remove any excess condensation or water from the tubing.
• Place in your dry box for 8-10 hours with battery doors open.
• If your devices are still not functioning after your drying time, contact your audiologist to arrange a visit. Out of warranty? There may be a fee to have your equipment repaired but you won’t know until you call. Consider purchasing hearing aid insurance with a company such as ESCO-contact your audiologist for details.
If you are interested in more information regarding water-resistant hearing aids and cochlear implants contact us at 636-532-3211 X 287.
Yep…..we can help. Summer Supplies are just a phone call away…
Plastic Dry Aid Kit $10
Replacement Beads $6
Dry-n-Store Global II w/UV light $110
Dry-n-Store Global II Bricks–3 pack $10
Ear Gear $28
Ear Mold Blower $6
Glass Dry Aid Kit $23
Mini Glass Dry Aid Kit $16
Hearing aid batteries 60ct (sz 13, 312, 675) $60
PRODUCT PRICING AS OF 6/15/15 – 9/1/15