School’s out, you will be going to the pool and the park with your child, and you’re not sure the best way to maintain your child’s hearing aids or cochlear implants in this hot & humid DMV climate.

Here are a few tips and tricks to equip you for summer time:

Equipment
Electronic Drying Kits – Uses heat, desiccant and moving air to take out moisture. Daily use, especially during the summer months, is recommended.
Ear Gear – acoustically transparent covering for hearing aids and cochlear implants. These are great for keeping sweat and dirt away from the devices. There is currently a 25% off sale running through June 30, 2018.
Water Wear (Cochlear Implants Only) – Cochlear, Advanced Bionics, and MED-EL each have cases that fit their cochlear implant processors so your child can wear their device in the water. Contact your child’s cochlear implant manufacturer to order.
Retention Clips/Headbands – There are many versions of clips and headbands to secure hearing devices for better retention. Some of our favorites are the Bebop Shop, Ruby Bands, and SafeNSound Clipz.

Food for Thought
– If you are planning any vacations near bodies of water where you cannot see the bottom, please be aware of your child’s loss and damage warranty (just in case!). Be extra vigilant and use a safety clip to attach it to a swimsuit or shirt to improve retention.
– If you will be traveling by airplane, the Transport Security Administration (TSA) does not require the removal of hearing aids or cochlear implants during the screening. Please see the text below from the TSA website. – When traveling, be sure to store extra equipment in a safe place such as a hard case to avoid equipment damage. A small dry-aid kit may be beneficial.
– If traveling overseas with rechargeable batteries, do not forget to bring the proper adapter plug, as many devices come with international plugs in addition to the Type A standard used in the United States.  Remember to bring disposable batteries and the disposable battery rack as a backup in case the outlets are not working correctly or the appropriate voltage.
– For other helpful tips, our audiologists have also collaborated with The River School’s Parent-Infant Program about preparing for summer. See their blog post here: https://rsparentinfant.wordpress.com/2018/05/31/water-play/
– Feel free to contact the clinic if you have any specific questions regarding your or your child’s devices.