If you live in Florida, the beach is always close by. Whether you’re swimming, walking along the shore, relaxing with family, or enjoying South Florida’s waterfront activities, you want to hear everything around you. If you use hearing aids, you might wonder: Is it safe to wear them at the beach?
In many cases, you can. Hearing aids help you stay connected and enjoy your time at the beach. But sand, saltwater, sunscreen, heat, humidity, and sweat can all be tough on these sensitive devices. Knowing when to wear your hearing aids, when to take them out, and how to care for them afterward will help keep them working well.
At New Generation Hearing Centers, our Miami audiologists help people find hearing aids that fit their lives and teach them how to care for their devices in Florida’s climate. With some planning, hearing aids don’t have to stop you from enjoying the beach.
Can You Wear Hearing Aids on the Beach?
You can usually wear hearing aids while walking on the beach, relaxing under an umbrella, chatting with friends, or doing other things that don’t involve swimming. In fact, wearing them can make your beach day better by helping you keep up with conversations and stay aware of what’s going on around you.
It’s important to know what your hearing aids can and can’t handle. Many newer hearing aids are water-resistant, but that doesn’t mean they’re fully waterproof.
A hearing aid that can handle sweat or a quick splash might not be made for swimming or long periods in water. Always check the manufacturer’s advice for your specific hearing aids.
Remove Your Hearing Aids Before Swimming
Unless your hearing aids are made for swimming or being underwater, take them out before you go into the ocean or pool. Even if you’re just wading, a surprise wave can easily get your hearing aids wet.
Saltwater is an extra concern because salt and minerals can stay on your hearing aids after the water dries. This buildup can block small openings, charging contacts, and other parts.
Before you go in the water, take out your hearing aids with clean, dry hands and put them in a protective case. Keep the case in a dry, safe spot instead of leaving your hearing aids loose on a towel or in your beach bag.
When you’re ready to put your hearing aids back in, make sure your ears are completely dry first.
Sand Can Cause Big Problems for Small Devices
Sand gets everywhere at the beach, and hearing aids are no different. Tiny grains can get into microphone openings, receiver ports, battery compartments, and other small spaces.
If sand gets inside your hearing aid, trying to remove it with something sharp or by brushing it hard can cause more damage.
It’s much easier to prevent problems. Always put your hearing aids in a closed protective case when you take them out. Don’t leave them on a towel, chair, or table where sand can get to them.
If you drop your hearing aid in the sand, pick it up gently and check it before putting it back in your ear. If sand gets inside and you can’t remove it safely, have a professional clean it.
Sunscreen and Hearing Aids Need Some Separation
Sunscreen is a must for a Florida beach day, but lotions and sprays can cause trouble if they get on your hearing aids. Oils, creams, and sprays can leave residue or clog the microphone openings.
A small routine change can help. Take out your hearing aids before putting on sunscreen near your face, ears, neck, or hairline. Wash or wipe your hands after, and let the sunscreen soak in before putting your hearing aids back in.
The same goes for other summer products like insect repellent, hairspray, facial moisturizer, and tanning products. Use these before you put your hearing aids in whenever you can.
Be extra careful with spray products because the mist can travel farther than you think. Never spray sunscreen or insect repellent near your ears when your hearing aids are in.
Sweat and Humidity Matter Too
You don’t have to go in the ocean for your hearing aids to get wet at a Florida beach. Heat and humidity can make you sweat a lot, especially if you’re outside for a long time.
Sweat can build up around your ears and reach your hearing aids. If you’re sweating a lot, gently wipe around your ears and your devices with a clean, dry cloth.
When you get home, check and clean your hearing aids as the manufacturer suggests. A hearing aid dryer or dehumidifier can also help remove any moisture, especially if you spend a lot of time outside in Florida.
If you have rechargeable hearing aids, make sure both the devices and the charging contacts are dry before putting them in the charger.
Protect Hearing Aids From Florida Heat
A sunny beach can get very hot, especially if you leave hearing aids in bags, cases, or cars. Hearing aids are built for daily use, but too much heat can harm the batteries and electronics.
Never leave your hearing aids in a parked car at the beach. A car can heat up quickly in the sun.
When you take out your hearing aids, put them in a protective case and keep it in a shaded, dry place. Don’t leave the case in direct sunlight.
The same goes for accessories. Store chargers, disposable batteries, and other hearing aid gear as the manufacturer recommends.
What If Your Hearing Aids Get Wet?
Accidents can happen. A wave might surprise you, a sudden Florida rainstorm could show up, or you might just forget to take out your hearing aids before getting into the water.
If your hearing aids get wet, take them out as soon as you can and gently dry the outside with a soft cloth. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying your specific model.
Don’t try to dry your hearing aids with a hair dryer, oven, microwave, or any direct heat. Too much heat can damage the delicate parts.
If your hearing aids were submerged in saltwater or still act strangely after drying, contact your audiologist. You may need a professional to check them. Moisture or debris may not cause an obvious problem right away. Pay attention to how your hearing aids perform after spending time at the beach.
If the sound is weak, distorted, cuts in and out, or is quieter than usual, your hearing aids might need cleaning or a professional check. Charging issues or unexpected changes in battery performance can also signal a problem.
Don’t keep changing the settings if your hearing aid suddenly sounds different. The issue might be moisture, sand, earwax, or another physical problem, not the programming.
Your audiologist can check your hearing aids and figure out what’s causing the problem.
Make a Beach Kit for Your Hearing Aids
A little planning makes it much easier to care for your hearing aids at the beach. Before you leave home, make sure you have a sturdy case, a clean, dry cloth, and any other supplies your devices need.
If you go to Florida beaches often, keeping these items together can help you avoid leaving your hearing aids in unsafe spots when you need to take them out suddenly.
Most importantly, always keep track of your hearing aids. They’re small and can easily get lost among towels, bags, clothes, and other beach gear.
Enjoy Florida Beaches Without Leaving Better Hearing Behind
Wearing hearing aids doesn’t mean you have to skip beach days. In many cases, keeping them in helps you join conversations and enjoy your surroundings. The key is knowing when it’s safe to wear them and when to take them out and protect them.
Keep your hearing aids away from saltwater, limit their contact with sand and sunscreen, manage sweat and moisture, and protect them from too much heat. With a few simple steps, you can help prevent damage and enjoy Florida’s beaches with confidence.
At New Generation Hearing Centers, our experienced Miami audiologists offer hearing aid fittings, maintenance, professional cleaning, repairs, and personal guidance for caring for your hearing aids in South Florida’s climate.
If you have questions about whether your hearing aids fit your active lifestyle, or if they aren’t working right after a beach trip, contact New Generation Hearing Centers. We’ll help keep your hearing aids working so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying everything Florida has to offer.
