How to take care of your hearing aid if you’re taking a beach holiday

The latest hearing aids are usually splash-proof, but they can't handle too much moisture, so take care at the beach. You should also make sure to keep them in the shade. — dpa

BERLIN: Modern hearing aids are made to resist a series of factors but take extra care when you’re at the beach, where moisture, sand and sun can be challenging for the microelectronics.

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If you’re by the sea, bear these tips in mind:

1. Protect your hearing aid from moisture

The latest hearing aids are usually splash-proof, but they can’t handle too much moisture. Water can enter through the small openings in the microphone, earpiece and battery compartment, damaging the electronics inside.

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Take your device out before bathing, or get a special waterproof hearing aid if you need to wear it while you are in the water, says Marianne Frickel, president of a German industry association.

2. Keep your device in the shade

Your hearing aid is a mini computer and excessive heat can damage the technology, so if you’re at the beach, protect it from direct sunlight by storing it in a suitable box in the shade.

3. Don’t use a hair-dryer on the device

If you get water or sand into your hearing aid, clean it with a soft cloth and a suitable agent, then leave it to dry. Don’t use a hair-dryer as it will be too hot for your device.

4. Avoid getting sunscreen on your hearing aid

Make sure you don’t get suntan lotion on your hearing aid as the cream can block the microphones, making it harder to hear and, in the worst case, damaging your sensitive device. It’s best to apply your sunscreen first, then insert your hearing aid, according to Frickel.

5. Take care

You may be on holiday but don’t forget to take care of your hearing aid, even if you are taking a break from other activities.

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Keep cleaning it regularly and put it in a drying box overnight. Beforehand, open the battery compartment and take out the batteries, to release any moisture while you are asleep. – dpa