Sun on your face, sand between your toes, and the sound of the ocean all around you—beach days are meant to be enjoyed. But for those of us with hearing aids, they can also bring a hint of stress. Sand, salt, and water are no friends to sensitive hearing technology.
As someone who grew up in San Diego, the beach was my playground. It started with sandcastles and turned into ocean swimming, jogging by the waves, and even competing internationally with my swim team. But I’ve also had hearing loss my entire life, and I’ve worn hearing aids for as long as I can remember. That combination led to one big question:
How could I fully enjoy beach and water activities while keeping my hearing aids safe?
My Go-To Tip: The Ziplock Bag
Much like I wouldn’t want water to corrode my jewelry, I definitely don’t want it getting near my hearing aids.
Over time, I figured out a system that worked:
- If I had pockets (like in a jacket or swim shorts), I carried a small ziplock bag to store my hearing aids before heading into the water.
- If I had a beach bag, I used a larger ziplock bag that was easier to see and find, even if I dropped it in the sand.
- If I had no bags or pockets, I sometimes left my hearing aids at home or safely tucked away in the glove compartment—usually inside my sunglasses case.
It may sound simple, but having a waterproof storage plan made a huge difference.
Communicating Without Hearing Aids
If I knew I wasn’t going to wear my hearing aids at the beach or pool, I made sure to tell my friends or family ahead of time. It helped them understand why I might not hear them right away—or at all.
With strangers, I sometimes said something like, “Sorry, I’ve got water or sand in my ears.” It was a quick and comfortable way to set expectations without diving into a full explanation about my hearing loss, especially when I just wanted to relax.
Swim Team
Swim teams brought their own challenges. Coaches often shout instructions, but water and hearing loss don’t mix well. What really helped me was when my coach started writing the swim sets on a whiteboard. That way, even if I missed what was said, I could visually stay on track—and so could the rest of the team.
And when in doubt? I’d ask a teammate to repeat what I missed. Never underestimate the power of community and communication.
A Lifeguard Dream Deferred, But Not Forgotten
I used to dream about being a lifeguard, but I worried I wouldn’t be able to hear everything in an emergency. Looking back, I wish I’d thought more creatively. If I had a waterproof or zippered bag handy, maybe it would’ve been possible to safely remove and store my hearing aids when necessary.
It’s a reminder that accessibility and possibility often come down to preparation.
What If You Get Sand in Your Hearing Aids?
It happens. Even with the best prep, sometimes sand finds its way into your devices.
Here’s what worked for me, especially when traveling:
A clean, dry toothbrush.
Gently brushing with a soft toothbrush (no water, no toothpaste) worked wonders. I was never able to get sand out with just a towel or cloth, but a few light brushes did the trick.
For eartips, simply rolling them between your clean fingers helps remove wax or debris without damaging the material.
The Bottom Line
With a little planning—like packing a ziplock bag, keeping communication open, and knowing how to clean your aids—you can enjoy everything from swimming to sandy strolls with confidence.
I’ve spent years figuring out what works for me, and I hope these tips help you or someone you know stay active all summer long.
Got more summer beach tips? Shoot us a note, and we’d love to include them in an upcoming blog post!