Heading to Gooseberry Falls State Park or enjoying the views at the Lakewalk trail are part of what makes summer in Minnesota so fun. If you have hearing loss, you can rely on your hearing aids to make each hike that much more exciting.
How Hearing Aids Improve Hikes
We tend to focus on all the gorgeous sights of a hike—the clear blue skies, the blooming flowers, the water beating against the shore—but hiking is also a joy to the ears. With the amplified sound hearing aids provide, you can relish the rush of wind through the leafy trees, the scurrying chipmunks in the underbrush and the exclamations of “Wow!” and “Look how beautiful!” from your hiking companions.
The best way to ensure you get clear sound from your hearing aids this hiking season is to follow a few simple care steps before and during your adventure.
Hearing Aid Care Tips
An estimated 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from hearing aids.[1] Clean, well-charged, properly programmed and undamaged hearing aids offer the greatest benefits to their wearer. Take the following steps to ensure your devices meet all those requirements:
- Bring your devices into our clinic every six months or so for a professional cleaning and programming appointment
- Clean your hearing aids nightly between service appointments
- Charge your hearing aids the night before your hike or replace their batteries if necessary
- Bring extra batteries or a charged hearing aid case on your hike
- Carry a portable, electric hearing aid dryer to remove moisture in the event of an accidental splash
- Wear hearing aid clips that hold your devices to your shirt to prevent loss or damage
- Get to know your hearing aid smartphone app so you can make real-time volume adjustments to match the needs of your environment
- Pack a cleaning kit and a portable battery or extra batteries for multi-day thru hiking
Hearing aids are advanced devices designed to help you enjoy every summer sound your hikes offer. By following the above tips, you can ensure your devices perform at their best on every hike. For more information on caring for your devices or to schedule a service appointment, contact Hearing Wellness Center.
[1] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2024, September 20). Quick statistics about hearing, balance, & dizziness. National Institutes of Health. [nidcd.nih.gov]