Hearing in a Hurricane: Safeguard Your Hearing in a Natural Disaster

While Hamilton had us all believe that “in the eye of a hurricane there is quiet,” the song couldn’t be further from the truth. Hurricanes and other natural disasters are devastating to homes and livelihoods; even the “safest” areas deal with excessive rainfall and power outages. 

Here in the Cayman Islands, we’re no strangers to hurricanes. But something you might not realize is how natural weather phenomena like hurricanes can affect hearing aids and assistive devices. 

Here are our top tips for helping your hearing aids during a hurricane, and how to better brace yourself for the next one. 

Prep for Power Outages 

Many hearing aid models are rechargeable and can last a day or two on a single charge, but if you’re without power for a few days, they can pose a problem if you need to recharge them. 

There are some chargers that come with built-in charges in an internal battery; these can be handy during power outages, as they can charge up to three full cycles without relying on a power source. 

If your hearing aids don’t come with this feature, don’t fret—external power banks, like the one you use for your phone, can also work in a pinch! These do rely on being charged beforehand, so make sure that your external power bank is charged up before the storm hits. 

For a quick blast of charge, your car’s battery can also work; if you can safely run it for a half hour or so, you can charge your phone, hearing aids, and more inside your car’s built-in USB charging ports. 

Keep a Drying Kit Nearby 

If your hearing aids get wet during the storm, don’t panic just yet! Many devices are water-resistant to rain, so a gentle wipe with a towel could do the trick. However, if you’re concerned that your devices are damaged by water, it pays to be prepared. 

Dry kits, whether they be moisture-wicking beads or specific tools from your audiologist to maintain your devices, can work wonders even without power. Electric drying systems for your devices can also do well if you have power. 

We’re Here to Help as the Grand Island Hearing Clinic 

If you’re concerned about how your devices will fare in the face of an oncoming storm, please don’t hesitate to contact us before it hits so we can help.