Moisture is the number one enemy of hearing aids, and one of the most common reasons patients need repairs on their hearing aids in Portland. We live in a wet and rainy climate, so protecting your hearing aids is even more important in the Pacific Northwest than in other areas of the country. Rain isn’t the only threat to hearing aids in Portland, however. There are plenty of activities that may be part of your daily routine that also put your devices at risk. Read on to learn more about keeping your hearing aids dry and out of danger.
The Risks of Rain
It’s no secret that it rains a lot in Portland. Hearing loss patients have to be extra careful on rainy days to keep their devices safe and dry. While it may be tempting to reach for an umbrella, audiology experts would rather you opt for a hooded coat to truly protect your devices. Choose thick materials that won’t let the rain soak through to ensure your hearing aids stay dry and problem free.
Spray Safety
If you apply any sort of mist, hairspray, perfume, spray deodorant, body spray, dry shampoo or other product around your face or hair, ensure your hearing devices are out of your ears before you begin. While this can be easy for Portland hearing loss patients to remember in the morning, it’s equally as important if you freshen up throughout the day or evening. Covering up your ear with your hand might add some protection, but with an investment as important as hearing aids, it’s better to safe than sorry.
Lessons on Lotion
Many people apply face or body lotion as past of their daily routine. While this is great for your skin, it can cause major damage to your hearing aids if you forget to wash your hands. While you may not think twice about touching your hearing aids with moist hands, the lotion can get into the cracks and crevices of your device, damaging the electronic components that make your hearing aids work.
If you’re concerned about moisture damaging your hearing aids in Portland, investing in a dehumidifier is a great idea. Hearing aid dehumidifiers remove the moisture from your devices while you sleep, ensuring safe storage and dry hearing aids when you wake up each day. If you have questions about hearing aid safety or dehumidifying accessories, talk to your audiologist at PDX ENT right away!
