Taking a dip in the Overlee Community Association Pool is a great way to escape the Virginia heat. If you wear hearing aids, you need to consider how to keep them safe before heading out for your pool day.
The Importance of Pool Safety With Hearing Aids
There are two central dangers for hearing aids on pool days: heat and water exposure.
Heat
Chances are, if you’re jumping into the pool to escape the heat, the temperature is probably too high for your hearing aids. If you place your hearing aids in direct sunlight at the pool, the heat can warp your devices or mess with their circuitry—both of which can interfere with the functioning of your devices.
Water
Many of us have been through that heart-stopping moment when we drop a phone, headphones or other electronic device in a pool, puddle or sink. We worry in those moments because electronic devices aren’t supposed to come into contact with water. If water gets into the circuitry, it can interfere with proper functioning or even cause your device to die. All of that water damage can also affect hearing aids.
Many hearing aids offer an IP68 waterproof rating. With that rating, they’re dust-tight and protected against submersion.[1] A high waterproof rating is meant to protect your hearing aids from accidental splashes or submersion; if you dive into the pool without removing your devices, for instance.
Protecting Your Hearing Aids
Take the following steps to protect your hearing aids from poolside dangers:
- Place your hearing aids in their case, under a towel or in a bag where they’re not likely to be sat on or knocked to the ground
- Bring a microfiber cloth to wipe your hearing aids dry if they get wet
- Always check your ears before jumping in the pool; your devices likely feel second-nature, meaning you won’t always notice you’re still wearing them if you don’t make a point to check
- Dry your ears and hair before re-inserting hearing aids
After a long pool day, place your hearing aids in a dehumidifier to draw out any remaining moisture. If you notice sound issues like crackling, feedback or low volume, contact ENT Specialists Of Northern Virginia to schedule a service & repair appointment with one of our specialists.
[1] International Electrotechnical Commission. (n.d.). IP ratings. https://www.iec.ch/ip-ratings