How to keep your hearing aids in good shape all summer long

Many people look forward to the longer days of summer. It’s a time for backyard barbecues, beach trips, gardening and other outdoor activities.

If you wear hearing aids, your devices might need some extra care. “Sweat and humidity are one of the top causes of hearing aid failures,” says Lindsey Koble, Au.D. She’s the owner of Audiology Always in Auburn, Indiana, and a member of the UnitedHealthcare Hearing advisory board.

And summer may bring other hearing aid hazards too. For example, you’ll want to protect your devices from heat.¹ And be careful when you use sunscreen and bug spray.

Not sure where to start? Follow these expert tips to keep your devices in good working order this season.

Help keep your hearing healthy

UnitedHealthcare Hearing helps members access hearing exams, hearing aids and more. Sign in to learn more and check eligibility.

Get started

Tip 1: Double down on cleaning

In the summertime, it’s hotter outside and people do a lot more swimming, Koble notes. That may cause a few things to happen. First, the moisture in the ear canal could change. “And sometimes our ear wax can actually get softer and so it can plug up hearing aids sooner,” she says.

To stay on top of excess wax, wipe down your hearing aids every night. Use a soft cloth or brush to gently remove wax, moisture and debris. Caution: Never use alcohol or water, which can damage the internal parts of hearing aids.²

“You should also change the wax filters regularly,” Koble says. Wax filters, also called wax traps or guards, are tiny discs that protect the hearing aid’s receiver from ear wax. These can be changed at home.

Tip 2: Be mindful of moisture

Hearing aids can get damaged over time when they’re exposed to humidity or perspiration.³ That’s because moisture droplets could seep into the electronic components of some devices.

Your devices should be OK if you get a little sweaty. “Many hearing aids are moisture and sweat resistant now,” Koble says. But it’s still a good idea to stay ahead of moisture issues. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your devices. Koble suggests two steps:

• Use a home dryer. Let’s say you tend to perspire a lot when you exercise outdoors. Or you work in a job like construction or farming, where you’re outside all day. Then you might try a home dryer (also called a dehumidifier, dry aid kit or drying box). This is a special container that removes moisture from hearing aids. Some companies make a charger that is also a dryer, Koble says.
  
  A home dryer could also be helpful if you live in a very humid part of the country. Condensation can form on your hearing aids just from exposure to the humid air.
   
• Bring them to your hearing care professional. Many hearing care professionals have a Redux dryer in the office now, Koble says. This professional-grade dryer uses a vacuum and a dryer to suck out the moisture. “We tell many of our patients to bring their hearing aids in once a summer so we can help dry the devices out.”

Tip 3: Try hearing aid sleeves

People who sweat heavily may want to use hearing aid sleeves. These are small, stretchy tubes that slip over your hearing aids and protect them from perspiration and dirt.

Tip 4: Store your devices safely when you swim

Do you spend time at the pool or beach in the summer? Take out your hearing aids and put them in a storage case before you take a dip. (At the beach? Wipe your hands with a towel first so you don’t get sand in your devices.) Then stow the case in a safe spot in your bag.

If your hearing aids happen to get wet, don’t panic. Turn them off and dry them with a towel. When you get home, place them in a dry box or on a sunny windowsill for several hours to remove any remaining moisture.

Tip 5: Protect them from sunscreen and bug spray

Wearing sunscreen is an important daily health habit for all of us, since it helps protect against skin cancer. Dermatologists (skin doctors) recommend applying sunscreen to all skin that’s not covered by clothing, including the ears and scalp.⁴

Just be sure to take out your hearing aids before you put on lotion. “You want to avoid getting sunscreen on your hearing aids, where it could block the microphones,” Koble says. Wash your hands before you put your devices back in.

The same goes for bug spray. Many people spray it on their hands, then pat it on their ears, hair and face. Remove your hearing aids first, and wash your hands before you reinsert them. Notice any buildup from the products? Wipe off your hearing aids with a clean cloth.

Tip 6: Never leave them in a hot car

This may seem like common sense. But it’s worth mentioning, since extreme heat can be bad for hearing aid batteries. Don’t leave your hearing aids in the area between your front seats or on the dashboard.

Following these tips should help keep your devices working well this summer. But if you’re having any issues at all, your best move is to see your hearing care professional, who can help you figure out the problem.

Through UnitedHealthcare Hearing, you get up to 3 follow-up visits at no extra cost and a trial period to try out your new prescription hearing aids. Learn more.

Sources

1. Hearing aids National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Accessed May 4, 2025.
2. How to get hearing aids U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Accessed May 4, 2025.
3. How to choose a hearing aid: Types and styles National Council on Aging. Accessed May 4, 2025
4. Sunscreen FAQs American Academy of Dermatology. Accessed May 4, 2025.

Information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a licensed medical provider. Consult your provider prior to making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.

Hearing aids purchased in the Silver technology level will receive 1 follow-up visit.