Summer is a time for good weather, the beach, the pool, day trips and outdoor activities. But this time of year is also a challenge for hearing aid users. Heat, humidity, sweat and sudden temperature changes can all affect how these devices work if a few precautions aren’t taken.
As a hearing care specialist in Valencia, every summer I see people come in worried because their hearing aids have started to fail — sounding quieter, making unexpected beeping noises, or simply stopping working properly. In many cases, the problem isn’t a serious fault, but a build-up of moisture or insufficient maintenance during the hottest months.
The good news is that today’s hearing aids are designed to withstand everyday conditions better than ever. Many models include protection systems against dust and moisture, along with increasingly durable materials. Even so, no hearing aid is completely immune to extreme heat, water or constant sweat.
In this article I want to explain how heat and humidity affect hearing aids, what problems can arise, and what you can do to keep them in perfect condition all summer long.
Why is summer a challenge for hearing aids?
Hearing aids are highly precise electronic devices. Inside, they contain microphones, receivers, electronic circuits and batteries that work continuously to provide clear, natural hearing.
Although they’re built to handle normal everyday use, summer brings together several factors that increase the risk of problems:
- High temperatures for long stretches of the day.
- Direct sun exposure.
- Constant sweating.
- High ambient humidity.
- Sudden shifts between outdoor heat and air conditioning.
- Accidental contact with water.
On their own, none of these factors may seem particularly significant. But combined over several weeks, they can affect how well a hearing aid performs and shorten its useful life.
That’s why I always tell my patients that looking after a hearing aid in summer doesn’t take much effort — just a few simple habits.
Can heat damage a hearing aid?
The answer is yes, though not immediately. High temperatures don’t usually break a hearing aid on their own, but they can speed up wear on certain electronic components and affect some materials.
One of the most common mistakes is leaving hearing aids inside a car for several hours. In a vehicle parked in the sun, the temperature can easily exceed 50°C. That extreme heat can affect both the battery and the device’s internal parts.
It’s also best to avoid leaving them:
- on a towel in the sun.
- on the terrace for hours.
- next to radiators.
- near heaters.
- on top of appliances that give off heat.
I always recommend keeping them in their case when not in use. This simple habit helps protect them from heat, dust and knocks.
Humidity: one of the biggest enemies
If I had to pick the factor that causes the most faults in summer, it would probably be humidity.
Although many of today’s hearing aids offer moisture protection thanks to special treatments and resistance certifications, water vapour is still a silent enemy.
Moisture can slowly work its way inside the device and cause:
- loss of sound quality.
- reduced volume.
- distortion.
- sound cutting out.
- corrosion of some electronic components.
The tricky part is that these problems don’t always show up right away. Sometimes the hearing aid works fine for several days, and faults only start appearing later, once moisture has already reached the internal circuit.
Sweat can affect them too
Many people only think about rain or pool water, but forget about something else that’s very common in summer: sweat.
During the hottest months, it’s normal to sweat more, especially when walking, exercising, or simply spending time outdoors.
Sweat contains mineral salts that can build up on the hearing aid over time.
If it isn’t cleaned properly, this build-up can clog:
- the microphones.
- the sound outlets.
- the wax filters.
- some of the electrical contacts.
Sweat also encourages constant moisture around the device, which is why I recommend drying your hearing aids with a clean, soft cloth at the end of the day.
There’s no need for harsh products or alcohol. A daily wipe-down is usually enough to prevent most of these problems.
Do all hearing aids hold up the same way?
Not exactly. Each manufacturer develops its own systems to improve resistance to dust and moisture.
Many current models carry certifications such as IP68, which indicate a high level of resistance to dust and moisture ingress under certain conditions. It’s important to understand, though, that resistant doesn’t mean waterproof.
A hearing aid with IP68 certification isn’t designed for:
- swimming.
- showering.
- staying submerged.
- continuous exposure to water.
In other words, it offers better protection for everyday use, but still needs proper care.
As a hearing care specialist, I always recommend finding out the specific features of each model, so you know exactly how far its protection goes and what precautions to take.
Water: a risk we shouldn’t underestimate
When we think of summer, it’s impossible not to think of the beach, the pool or water activities. It’s worth remembering, though, that hearing aids aren’t designed to be submerged in water.
Even though some models offer excellent moisture resistance, direct contact with water can cause serious damage to their electronic components. What’s more, seawater contains salt, and pool water usually contains chlorine — both of which can speed up the deterioration of certain parts if not removed properly.
I always recommend taking your hearing aids out before:
- showering.
- swimming in the pool.
- going into the sea.
- doing water sports.
- using saunas or steam rooms.
If a hearing aid accidentally falls into water, don’t try to dry it with a hairdryer, place it on a radiator, or leave it out in the sun — excess heat can make the problem worse. The best approach is to turn it off, remove the battery (if it has one), carefully dry the outside, and place it in its dehumidifier (or, failing that, in an airtight container with drying capsules). Then get it checked at a hearing centre as soon as possible.
(Note: We don’t recommend the common trick of using rice, as rice dust and starch can get into the hearing aid’s microphones and block them completely.)
The beach and sand: a lesser-known enemy
Many people worry about water but forget about sand. Tiny grains of sand can get into the microphones, sound outlet or filters of a hearing aid. They’re sometimes so fine you barely notice them, but they can still affect how the device works.
What’s more, the combination of sand, sweat and humidity creates an environment that’s far from ideal for any electronic device.
If you’re heading to the beach, my advice is simple:
- keep your hearing aids in their case when you’re not wearing them.
- avoid leaving them on your towel.
- don’t handle them with wet or sandy hands.
- clean them at the end of the day.
These small habits go a long way towards preventing faults.
Sudden temperature changes matter too
Another factor that often goes unnoticed is the contrast between outdoor heat and air-conditioned spaces.
Constantly moving in and out of very different environments can encourage condensation — tiny droplets of moisture that form because of the temperature change.
Even if barely visible, this moisture can gradually build up inside the hearing aid.
It’s similar to what happens when glasses fog up as you walk into an air-conditioned room. It can’t always be avoided, but you can reduce its effects by letting the hearing aid adjust to the new temperature and, above all, by using a dehumidifier every night to safely remove any built-up moisture.
How to protect your hearing aids in summer
After many years working as a hearing care specialist, I’ve found that most problems can be prevented with a very simple care routine.
Here are the recommendations I usually give my patients:
- always keep your hearing aids in their case when you’re not wearing them.
- avoid exposing them directly to the sun.
- don’t leave them in the car.
- take them out before showering or bathing.
- clean them every day with the right products.
- always handle them with clean, dry hands.
- have them checked regularly to make sure they’re working properly.
None of these steps are complicated, but they help keep your hearing aid performing well for much longer.
The importance of dehumidifying systems
One of the accessories I recommend most during the summer months is a hearing aid dehumidifier. Its job is to remove the moisture that builds up during the day and help keep the device’s internal components dry.
There are different systems available, from drying capsules to dedicated electronic dehumidifiers for hearing aids.
Especially for people who sweat a lot or live in areas with high ambient humidity, these devices can become a great ally in extending the life of your hearing aids. They don’t replace daily cleaning, but they do complement regular maintenance.
Signs that moisture may be affecting your hearing aids
Sometimes the effects of moisture appear gradually.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s worth getting your hearing aid checked:
- sound is quieter than usual.
- sound quality changes.
- intermittent cutting out.
- the device stops connecting properly via Bluetooth.
- you hear beeping or strange noises.
- the battery doesn’t last as long as usual.
These don’t always mean there’s a major fault, but they are a sign that a check-up is a good idea.
The sooner a problem is spotted, the better the chances of fixing it before any permanent damage occurs.
Strengths and limitations
As with any electronic device, today’s hearing aids have plenty of advantages, but also some limitations worth knowing about.
What I value most
- they’re increasingly resistant to dust and moisture.
- they use high-quality materials.
- many models carry resistance certifications.
- they perform well even in moderately hot conditions.
- cleaning and maintenance systems are simple.
Things to keep in mind
- no hearing aid is designed to stay underwater.
- extreme heat can affect certain components.
- built-up moisture can cause faults if not removed.
- sweat and sand call for more frequent cleaning.
- poor maintenance can shorten the device’s useful life.
Knowing both the strengths and the limitations lets you use your hearing aids with more confidence and get the most out of everything they offer.
Heat, humidity and sweat are all part of summer, but they don’t have to become a problem for your hearing aids. With some simple care, you can keep them performing well and extend their useful life.
As a hearing care specialist, I always stress that prevention is the best tool. Storing them properly, cleaning them every day, avoiding direct contact with water and having them checked regularly are small habits that make a big difference.
Today’s hearing aids are built to be with you day to day, even during the hottest months. But they still need the same care as any other precision device.
If you wear hearing aids and want to make sure they’re in perfect condition, or if you’ve noticed any change in how they work after summer, come and visit our hearing centre in Valencia.
We’ll carry out a full check of your hearing aids, answer all your questions, and help you keep them in the best possible condition so you can keep enjoying clear, comfortable hearing.
Because everyone hears differently, and finding the best hearing solution always starts with a personalised assessment. Book your appointment by calling 960 659 592 or message us on WhatsApp at 621 00 16 93
Look after your hearing aids today, and keep enjoying every sound tomorrow
