With summer in full swing in Las Vegas, the combination of high temperatures and low humidity can take a toll on more than just your comfort—it can also impact your hearing aids. Even if you’re not spending hours outdoors, brief exposure to heat, such as sitting in a hot car or walking in direct sunlight, can affect the performance and longevity of your devices. Understanding how the desert climate influences your hearing aids is the first step toward protecting them during the hottest months of the year.
How Heat Affects Hearing Aid Function
To understand how to care for your hearing aids in the summer, it helps to know how they work. These small but advanced devices rely on sensitive electronic components to help you hear clearly in a variety of environments. In Las Vegas’s dry, intense heat, these components can become stressed, leading to diminished performance or even damage over time.
- Each hearing aid consists of key parts:
- Microphone – picks up surrounding sound
- Amplifier – increases the sound’s volume
- Speaker – delivers sound into your ear
Many modern devices also include features like directional microphones, noise reduction, and wireless connectivity. These enhancements make hearing aids more effective—but also more vulnerable to heat, moisture, and physical stress. Knowing how these features respond to your environment can help you adjust settings and usage for optimal performance all summer long.
Tips for Protecting Hearing Aids from Heat
Our desert summers are no joke, and your hearing aids need just as much protection as you do. Excessive heat and sudden changes in temperature—even from sweat or splashes—can interfere with how your devices operate.
- To reduce the risk of damage, follow these summer-smart care tips:
- Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when not in use.
- Never leave them in a hot car or direct sunlight, even for a short time.
- Use a dehumidifier overnight to remove any moisture that builds up throughout the day.
These simple precautions can help preserve your devices’ function and extend their lifespan, keeping you connected and comfortable through the hottest part of the year.
How Extreme Heat Impacts Hearing Aid Technology
High temperatures can affect your hearing aids in more ways than one. Some of the most common issues include:
Shortened battery life: Heat accelerates battery discharge. According to Battery University, every 18°F rise above room temperature roughly doubles the rate of battery self-discharge—meaning your batteries may drain faster during summer.
Casing expansion: Heat can cause the plastic components of your hearing aids to expand, which may affect how they fit and feel in your ear.
Increased earwax production: Heat stimulates the body to produce more wax, which can clog your hearing aid’s microphone or speaker and reduce sound clarity.
Condensation buildup: Even in low-humidity environments, sweat and sudden changes in temperature can lead to internal moisture, increasing the risk of malfunction.
Over time, repeated exposure to high heat can damage internal circuitry or cause warping, which may result in costly repairs—or even the need to replace your devices.
To avoid these problems:
- Keep hearing aids away from heat sources.
- Clean them regularly to remove wax and debris.
- Replace batteries more often during the summer.
- Use a dehumidifier to minimize internal moisture.
Preventive care now can help you avoid inconvenient (and expensive) breakdowns later.
Managing Sweat: A Summer Hearing Aid Challenge
Sweating is a natural response to heat, but it can be a hidden threat to hearing aids. While perspiration helps cool your body, it also introduces moisture that can seep into your devices, leading to potential malfunctions. Even water-resistant hearing aids aren’t immune to the long-term effects of repeated sweat exposure.
Here’s how to safeguard your devices from sweat-related damage:
Use hearing aid sweatbands: These soft covers absorb moisture before it reaches the electronics.
Wipe down your devices daily: After any sweaty activity, gently clean your hearing aids with a dry cloth.
Dehumidify each night: A drying box or hearing aid dehumidifier can pull out any lingering moisture and help maintain performance.
Taking just a few extra steps each day can ensure your hearing aids continue to perform reliably—no matter how hot it gets.
Summer in Las Vegas brings sunshine, dry air, and soaring temperatures—and all of these can affect your hearing aids. By understanding the risks and following simple protective steps, you can keep your devices functioning at their best. From battery care to moisture prevention, a little extra attention goes a long way in ensuring your hearing aids keep up with your lifestyle all summer long.
Please schedule your hearing assessment / checkup with Southern Nevada Audiology today! Learn more about the advancements in modern hearing aids.