BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Deafness Hearing Aids and Hot Weather

Hi, I wondered if any other members who wear hearing aids are experiencing difficulty with the very hot weather experienced in many parts of the world this summer. I have two Bone Anchored Hearing Aids and we have just had the hottest July since records began here in the UK. I was off work for a week with an infection in the BAHA prosthesis sites. I wondered if others had experienced similar problems with different types of hearing aids and what you did about it if anything?

I have been removing my BAHA hearing aids when travelling on the public transport and during lunch breaks in order to allow the perspiration around the prosthetic implants to dry off, and I have been taking extra care to keep both ears and BAHA's clean, and also being extra careful to wash my hair regularly. I also sought advice from my audiologist and saw my GP to get an antibiotic for the BAHA infection. It's been a real nuisance!

I wear hearing aids and get frustrated because in the heat they feel sticky.

Dear Friends.
Measles at an early age left me legally deaf. Certain elementary schools allowed me to mainstream into regular classes while receiving special instructions using headphones in a special classroom. During my high school years I received weekly instructions in speech reading (formerly known as lip-reading). I furthered my education and received both a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy and Elementary Education, and also a Master's Degree in School Administration and School Supervision. I began doctoral studies, but have had to put them on "hold." All were funded by scholarships. I am still married to a special person (43 years)and we are enjoying our 4 sons and their families. I participated in many community activities, which included political positions. Since retiring a few years ago, I have purposely adopted my screen name ... which is totally foreign to my former professional life. I am relating my experiences in hopes of encouraging those with hearing "challenges." My motto is "it's never too late."

Dear Friend,
I was given a hearing aid (Zenith Co.)through the kindness of an audiologist who was giving me weekly instructions in speech reading (formerly lip-reading). In 1952 the aids consisted of a battery pack with wires leading to your ears/earpiece. Forget the embarrassment of placing the battery pack in one's bra. The real problem was the horrendous noises from both the undergarment fabrics (slips, etc.), as well as the
unfamiliar sounds being amplified that I wasn't able to hear before. Most people are unaware of what a hearing aid does. It only amplifies the sounds one can hear. It does not allow one to hear "all" sounds. Depending on the type of deafness one has, can further treatment be considered. I was so bothered by the new noises I heard that after a year, I simply decided I didn't want to use the aid as a "crutch." I can truthfully say I can be considered a candidate for an Oscar Award. I've bluffed many a time. My family playfully tell me, "you only hear what you want to hear." That may be closer to the truth than they realize ! I suggest you seek a support group of those with the type of problem you are having. You will be surprised and pleased with the results. Also, email other specialists in the medical field. Many are helpful. Start with the Mayo Clinic. Seek clinical research sites dealing with your problem. Mrs. Marshall