Hearing aids don’t need to come between you and summer fun, as long as you take the proper precautions! So, before diving into your favorite seasonal activities, read our list of hearing aid tips.
If you don’t have water-resistant hearing aids, protect them from moisture. You can use a sleeve to protect them from your sweat or store them in a durable, waterproof box. If your hearing aids get wet, wipe them down to prevent bacteria growth.
Going for a swim? Once you’re done, ensure your ears are completely dry before putting your hearing aids back in. Use a towel or an alcohol solution to get rid of water. You don’t want to put them back in if there’s moisture in your ears.
We don’t recommend it. They’re still susceptible to water damage, so we always advise taking them out before submerging your head in the water. Water-resistant options work well for resisting sweat or light moisture, such as playing sports or taking a shower (provided it’s not too long!)
This tip is essential year-round but becomes even more critical during the summer.
At night, open the battery door to allow dry, fresh air to move through and dry them out. If you live in a particularly humid environment, invest in a dehumidifier to store your aids when you’re not using them.
Proper sunscreen application is paramount to your health. But you want to remove your hearing aids before applying sunscreen around your ears. Then, wait until it’s completely rubbed in or dry before putting them back in. The same goes when you use insect repellent!
Whether volleyball on the beach or softball on the field, you can still enjoy playing your favorite sports with hearing aids. Just use a sports clip or a sports necklace to secure them in place and keep them from getting damaged.
Even with the most care, dirt, sand, debris, sweat, or water could end up in your hearing aid. It happens! To help prevent damage, clean your hearing aids regularly and thoroughly. You can also take them to a professional for a deep clean.
Need assistance? Schedule your next hearing aid maintenance appointment.
Unless you’re leaving them stored safely at home, keep your hearing aids with you when you’re out and about. Above all: don’t leave them in the sun or your empty car! Extreme heat can cause irreversible damage to your hearing aids. Invest in a storage case for protection from the elements.
At SoundGate Hearing, we care for your present and future hearing needs. Whether you’re new to the world of hearing assistance or you’ve been at this for years, we are here to help you feel comfortable and confident about your hearing! Follow our blog for more hearing aid tips and guidance.
-until next time-
Dr. Sarah Binfet
Hello, I am Sarah! I have been an Audiologist since 2019 when I received my doctorate degree from A.T. Still University in Arizona and undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota. I have a passion to help people with their hearing healthcare. Coming from a family with hearing impaired individuals, I know the importance for personalized hearing care and best Audiology practices. Raised in small town Minnesota, I enjoy my time being outside, on the golf course or on the lake up north. I have 2 young children who keep me on my toes and always laughing.
My name is Brooke, and I have been working at SoundGate Hearing since July of 2023. I love being a part of a team that puts the customers first. Being able to help others has always been a passion of mine. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and traveling.
I have worked in a variety of roles in the hearing industry since graduating from Minnesota State University-Moorhead with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. I have worked at SoundGate Hearing since 2013 and have substantial experience with both the technical and business sides of the industry. I understand the fundamental need to provide strong support for our patients. I spend my free time away from the office with my active family. I enjoy a wide variety of activities, including travel, hiking, camping, fishing, and all things outdoors. I am a passionate hockey and soccer parent and fan.
Hello, I am Kara, and I am so excited to continue serving the Buffalo area and providing hearing care at SoundGate Hearing. I grew up in SW, MN, in a small town, and I love the sense of community that small towns offer. I have worked at SoundGate since 2019 and love the personalized care this clinic provides patients. In my free time, I enjoy reading, staying active, spending time outdoors, and soaking up as much lake time as I can in our short MN summers.
Welcome! I am Dr. Sarah Binfet and I have been a Doctor of Audiology since 2006. I proudly served Veterans at the Minneapolis VA for nearly 9 years. I established Blaine Hearing Center in 2013 in conjunction with my husband's optometric practice. It has been a wonderful partnership and enjoyable to see each other at work! In 2015, I had the opportunity to grow my practice when I purchased SoundGate Hearing from my mentor, Dr. Wendy Davis. I genuinely love what I do and feel that helping people hear is essential to their quality of life. I believe in creating a welcoming and supportive environment in which the patient and their families can be educated on their hearing loss, hearing aid options, and how to have the best success with their hearing aids. At SoundGate, we deeply care about our patients and their outcomes. We want everyone to genuinely enjoy their hearing aids and the benefits they bring. I am committed to offering my patients the most up to date digital hearing aid technology, which is why I carry a full line of manufacturers. There is no one right hearing aid for everyone. It is my job to help my patients navigate the complex works of hearing aids and decide on which products best meet their needs, goals and budget. I have discovered the benefit of giving patients the opportunity to trial hearing aids out of the office. A hearing aid trial is most helpful in navigating the complex journey of better hearing. A Minnesotan through and through, I was raised in Eden Prairie, MN, received my undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas and my Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Minnesota. When not at work, you will find me cooking, hitting up the newest restaurants and fitting in as much yoga as possible. During the weekend, you will find my husband Rodney and me with our three kids, Evelyn, Jake and Sam, loving the outdoors at our family cabin on Leech Lake. I look forward to meeting you.
My name is Kathy, and I am a Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) with SoundGate Hearing. I have been in hearing health for 18 years. I am passionate about helping people live their best lives with the best hearing possible. Getting to know patients is a joy for me. My position is a lot like a Nurse Practitioner’s. I am licensed to perform many services to help you while I work with and for the Audiologists for your best care. In my spare time, you will find my husband and I enjoying our three busy grandsons, reading with my book club, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. I am so glad to be part of the SoundGate Hearing team.