As a hearing care specialist, every September I support many people who, after the holidays, go back to their daily routine feeling that their hearing aids don’t sound quite the same or aren’t as comfortable as before. That’s because summer, with its change in habits, can affect both the devices themselves and the way we use them.
If you’ve spent a few weeks away from your usual routine, or even stopped wearing your hearing aids over the summer, this article is for you. Here’s a clear, practical and realistic guide to getting back into your hearing-aid routine in the best possible way.
How summer affects hearing aid use
During summer, our routines often get disrupted: travel, exposure to heat and humidity, changes in schedule, and sometimes less use of hearing aids in quiet settings or around family. This has real consequences:
- Moisture build-up: especially if you’ve been somewhere humid or near the sea.
- Changes in hearing perception: if you’ve worn your hearing aids less, your brain may have grown unaccustomed to certain sounds.
- Fit or comfort issues: if there have been physical changes such as a small weight gain, irritation from sweat, or hair growth.
Check the condition of your hearing aids
Before fully returning to your routine, take a few minutes to check that your hearing aids are in good condition:
- Clean the casings and filters thoroughly.
- Check that the tubing or elbows aren’t blocked.
- If you use batteries, make sure they’re fresh. If they’re rechargeable, check they’re charging properly.
- Listen for any beeping, strange noises, or lower volume than usual.
If you notice anything unusual, it’s best to have it checked as soon as possible to avoid discomfort or losing hearing time.
If it turns out to be something related to the programming, we can always arrange a remote session to adjust it, but if it’s something physical, if you’re nearby you can come to our hearing centre in Valencia. If you’re travelling and away from home, we can recommend another trusted centre where they can help you. Once you’re back, we can always do a check-up to make sure everything’s in order.
Ease back into daily use gradually
You may have worn your hearing aids less during summer. To get back into your usual rhythm:
- Start in quiet settings, such as at home or on walks.
- Gradually increase the hours you wear them until you’re back to your usual daily use.
- Avoid very noisy environments for the first few days, if you can, to let your brain readjust.
Adjustment and sensations: give your brain time
The ear hears, but it’s the brain that interprets. And if you’ve gone a few weeks without wearing your hearing aids, you might find certain sounds too loud or bothersome when you start using them again. This is normal. The brain needs a short readjustment period.
Give it a few days before assuming there’s a problem with the programming. If the discomfort persists, we’ll help you fine-tune it.
Post-holiday cleaning: a necessary tune-up
Sweat, sand, humidity or even sunscreen can leave residue that affects a hearing aid’s performance. That’s why after summer is a good time for a deep clean:
- Change the wax filters.
- Check the earmoulds and tubing.
- Use dehumidifying tablets or an electric dehumidifier.
- Request a professional cleaning if needed.
A good time to update the programming
Hearing needs can shift slightly after summer. Using this moment to check that everything’s still working as it should, or whether small adjustments are needed, can make a real difference to how you hear day to day.
It’s about fine-tuning, not starting from scratch.
Check your maintenance kit and accessories
As you get back into your routine, make sure everything you need is in good condition:
- Batteries or charger working properly.
- Cleaning brush or cloth.
- Dehumidifying case.
- Remote microphones or accessories, if you use them.
Get back into habits that help you hear better
Summer tends to break a lot of routines, but September is a good time to pick them back up:
- Start wearing your hearing aids first thing again.
- Practise active listening, for example, watching TV with subtitles or reading out loud.
- Avoid excessive noise without hearing protection.
- Get good sleep, since rest affects hearing perception too.
Rebuilding confidence if you’ve felt disconnected
Sometimes, after a period without wearing hearing aids, it’s hard to get back into it. You might feel unsure of yourself, tired from the listening effort, or frustrated because you don’t recognise certain sounds. My advice is to give yourself time and be patient with yourself.
Consistency is your ally. Every hour you wear them counts.
Getting back into a hearing-aid routine can be a simple process if you approach it calmly, consistently, and with professional support. Every small step counts: from checking your devices daily to getting back into habits that help you feel more comfortable and connected.
If, after summer, you notice you’re hearing differently, that your hearing aids aren’t performing as well, or you simply want to make sure everything’s in order, we’d be delighted to help at our hearing centre in Valencia. We adjust, check and answer any questions so you can get back into your rhythm with confidence.
Book your appointment by calling 960 659 592 or message us on WhatsApp at 621 00 16 93.
This September, get your hearing back in shape
