Coping with the Arizona heat in the summer is a full-time job consisting of extra glasses of water, air conditioning and, yes, lots of pool days. While you’re dipping in and out of the cooling Catalina Pool this summer, don’t forget to take care of your hearing aids.
Poolside Hearing Aid Dangers
The biggest threat to hearing aids at the pool is water contact. While many hearing aids now boast an impressive IP68 waterproof rating (dust-tight and protected against submersion), it’s always best to be cautious.[1] Whether your devices get splashed or you accidentally forget to remove them before diving into the pool, all that extra moisture can potentially damage the internal components of your devices. If your devices don’t list a water protection rating, it’s extra essential to keep them dry.
Sunscreen is another potential danger. You can absolutely wear sunscreen with hearing aids, just avoid the area where your devices sit, apply the lotion and let it dry before putting them in.
The final poolside danger is heat. While you may be cooling off in the pool, leaving your hearing aids on a deck chair in the hot Arizona heat can cause damage.
Protecting Your Hearing Aids
You don’t have to leave your hearing aids at home to enjoy a fun pool day. Try the following tips to keep your devices safe:
- Keep a dry microfiber cloth nearby to wipe away splashes or sweat before moisture builds
- Avoid setting your hearing aids in direct sunlight, especially on hot pool chairs or concrete surfaces; placing them under a towel is a safe bet. Just make sure they’re not at risk of being sat on
- Remove your devices ahead of time instead of waiting until the last second
With so many pool days, your devices are bound to get a little moisture or sunscreen exposure. Just remember to clean your devices and place them in a drying jar or electric dehumidifier after your pool days.
If you notice sound distortion like low volume, crackling or feedback, contact us at Arizona Hearing Specialists for a repair and service appointment.
[1] International Electrotechnical Commission. (n.d.). IP ratings. https://www.iec.ch/ip-ratings