shutterstock 375644971With temperatures set to hit the high 20Cs this week, now’s a great time to read our top tips on summer hearing aid care.

While you may enjoy being out catching some rays, your hearing aids prefer to chill in the shade. The heat is not your hearing aids friend and can do them some serious damage. But if you follow our easy care guide you and your hearing aids will be able to enjoy lots of fun, with your family and friends, in the sun.

Storage wars

Proper storage is really important for maintaining your hearing aids and batteries. Make sure you keep them in a cool, dry place and not in direct sunlight or in extreme heat, like inside your car.

Excessive heat can damage the delicate elements of your hearing aid, shortening its life. And, as the outer casing is made of plastic, it could melt in very high temperatures. But damage isn’t just caused by the heat. Changes in temperature, caused by things like going from a cool, air-conditioned room into the blazing hot sunshine, can make moisture develop inside your hearing aid.

Preventing unwanted guests

The hot, humid weather is ideal for germs, bacteria and fungi to grow and thrive, so regular cleaning is essential to keep your hearing aids free of unwanted guests. Keep cleaning cloths handy and don’t allow moisture to sit on your hearing aids.

Sink or swim

Don’t wear your hearing aids in the pool unless it’s a proper waterproof one. Water –resistant hearing aids and accessories will withstand things like splashes and the rain, but they won’t survive if they’re submerged in water when you go swimming.

Be prepared

Before you go away make a checklist – don’t ruin your holiday by forgetting one of your hearing aid accessories. Make sure you take back-up supplies of essentials like batteries and tubes. Then you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying yourself.

Leaving on a jet plane

If you need assistance at the airport let your airline know at least 48 hours in advance.

The majority of public address systems at airports should include hearing loop facilities. Use the 'T' switch on your hearing aid and the sound will amplified.

When you’re on the plane it’s a good idea to tell the cabin crew about your impairment so they can make sure that you’re made aware of any important announcements during the flight.

Your hearing aids are exempt from the no-electronic-devices policy on board the plane, so you’re free to enjoy the in-flight entertainment.

Stock up

To stock up on supplies (batteries, wax guards, drying box kits) before you go on your holidays, or to get your hearing aid cleaned and checked before you depart, go to the Hearing Aid Repair Shop website.

And if you’re in the Newbury area and would like some expert advice before you go away visit Mary Hare Hearing Centre in Weavers Walk, just off Northbrook Street.