Approximately 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from using hearing aids. Hearing aids improve your communication by amplifying speech sounds and background noise, managing tinnitus symptoms by amplifying external sounds to drown out internal ringing and connecting to smart devices for better streaming.
With all the benefits they provide, it is essential to keep your devices safe. Humidity is one environmental factor that may damage your devices.
Hearing Aids and Moisture
Most hearing aids consist of a microphone to collect sound, an amplifier to raise its volume and a speaker to send the amplified sound inside the ear. Hearing aid styles and brands may vary in circuitry and additional accessories, but all are made of delicate electronic equipment.
Most of today’s hearing aids have a water-resistant coating that protects them against minor splashes, but none are waterproof.
High moisture in the air can seep into your devices and cause damage over time. While you may not be able to control the humidity around a frosty Sherwood Lake, you can control it in your home.
Decreasing Moisture in the Home
Decreasing the humidity in your home will protect your living space from mold and mildew and help keep your hearing aids moisture-free. A couple of common places in the home for moisture to accumulate include:
- The kitchen. From boiling water on the stove to constantly running appliances, kitchens are a hotspot for humidity. To lower the humidity in the kitchen, run the exhaust fan anytime you are cooking and for a little while after.
- The bathroom. Hot showers and baths combined with a warm environment allow humidity to build up in the bathroom. Always run the fan during a shower or bath and for at least thirty minutes afterward. If you still see moisture in the shower or on the mirror, you should continue running the fan.
- The basement. Unvented clothes dryers, water heaters, liquid collection from rain and groundwater, poor insulation and more can contribute to a humid basement. The best solution for a humid basement is to run a dehumidifier until the humidity reaches between 30% and 50%.
It is always a good idea to run a dehumidifier during humid months if the humidity in your home exceeds 50%.
Where Should You Store Hearing Aids?
Choosing the right place to store your hearing aids when not in use is essential in keeping them safe from humidity. Choose a cool, dry spot outside the kitchen, bathroom or basement. If you’re concerned about the moisture in the air, consider storing them in a drying jar filled with moisture-absorbing beads.
For more information about protecting your devices, or to schedule a repair, contact Topeka Ear Nose & Throat today.