Many things come to mind when preparing for Hurricane Season, but one that might not be is your hearing aids. It is important to protect your hearing aids so you can also stay in communication with what is going on during the storms and their aftermath.
During and after a Hurricane, you may not be able to get to a store to buy batteries, and you may not have electricity for extended periods. It is important to plan ahead for these potential issues.
How can you prepare for this?
If you wear traditional Battery-operated hearing aids: Purchase batteries and keep them in a waterproof container.
If you wear rechargeable hearing aids: Purchase and keep charged with a portable battery pack. Some hearing aid manufacturers offer an upgraded charger option which includes its own onboard battery. If you cannot find one of these if your car has a USB port, you can charge your hearing aids in your car!
HOWEASY Portable Power Station
You also want to make sure you have everything you need for your hearing aids in one place. Create a hearing aid emergency kit and keep it in a safe place.
What should go into a Hearing Aid Emergency Kit?
- Pack a small, waterproof or water-resistant container MTM Survivor Dry Box with O-Ring Seal
- Extra hearing aid batteries or a portable charger (if rechargeable)
- A drying kit or dehumidifier to remove moisture Dehumidifier Hearing Aid Dryer
- Cleaning tools (brush, wax pick, etc.)
- Protective covers (to shield from rain and humidity) Ear Gear Mini Cordless
- Backup hearing aids, if available
It is important you plan for communication since you may not hear warnings, alarms, or emergency announcements. Inform people around you about your hearing loss. Wear a medical alert bracelet or carry a communication card. Consider a light-flashing or vibrating alert system for your home. Keep your cell phone charged with text capability and TTY/relay services if needed.
If you need to evacuate, have a list of the nearest shelters; some even offer accommodation for people with disabilities if you feel that it is needed. If you plan to evacuate, take your hearing aid emergency kit. Charge your devices as much as possible before the storm hits.
After the storm, it’s important to notify your provider if your hearing aids were lost or damaged. There may be some type of Hurricane relief Loss and Damage coverage with your warranty (some may be subject to deductibles). If your hearing aid was exposed to moisture and is under warranty, it may be good to send it out and have it checked out by the manufacturer.
Hurricane season can be stressful, but with a plan and having this stuff prepared in advance it is one less thing to stress about at the moment. If you have any questions of how to stay prepared or if you need anything after the storm hits, the Gardner team is here for you. Contact us at (800) 277-1182, email: info@gardneraudiology.com, or schedule an appointment online here.
