Florida’s hurricane season is here, and the last thing you want is to be without your hearing aids in the event of a power outage or evacuation! Here are a few ways you can have your hearing aids prepared for a hurricane.
- Keep extra batteries on hand. This seems like a no-brainer, right? Having enough batteries to last through a power outage or flood can help you avoid a lot of unnecessary anxiety – on top of anxiety levels that one could typically expect when a hurricane hits! While scenarios that would prevent you from being able to go to the store are few and far between, it is best to be prepared for anything.
- Utilize power banks with rechargeable hearing aids. Rechargeable hearing aids only hold their charge for about 20-24 hours. In the event of a power outage, you want to be able to charge your hearing aids! Keeping a charged power bank at home can help get you through those extra days when you may not have power. Your charging cables have a USB connector at one end, and can be used with power banks and other power sources that may not utilize a traditional outlet.
- Purchase power packs. Many hearing aid manufacturers, such as Phonak, offer additional power packs that can attach to the hearing aid chargers! These power packs hold a charge, so while the hearing aids are charging, so is the charger. If a hurricane knocks out the power, you’ll be able to charge your hearing aids an additional 3 times without being plugged into a power source.
- Keep extra supplies handy. Routine maintenance is the key to good sound quality and a longer lifespan for hearing aids! Most often, when a hearing aid stops working it is due to a cleaning/maintenance issue. Having extra supplies will allow you to continue your regular maintenance of your hearing aids, to avoid any issues during a storm.
Anticipation for a hurricane causes enough anxiety – not to mention the anxiety that comes with any after-effects of the hurricane! By keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid and mis-haps that may cause your hearing aids to be “out of order” during a hurricane. If you are in need of any supplies, or have additional questions on how to be prepared with your hearing aids during a hurricane, please contact Gardner Audiology at 1-800-277-1182.
