Lots of individuals really enjoy winter! Alright, it can definitely be a bummer if you need to get anywhere. Or if you don’t have the proper gear (or proper infrastructure). But there are lots of fun things to do in those colder winter months.
Don’t believe us? Well, here are only a few instances of how cold weather can be fun: you could go sledding or skiing. You could have a good time on a snowmobile! You could go out onto the ice for some ice skating or ice fishing. With the correct gear, winter can be just as much of an outdoor season as spring, summer, or fall (and the hot chocolate is so much more rewarding when you’ve been outside in the cold).
But that’s a significant caveat: you need the correct gear to stay comfortable. Maybe you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be impacted by the cold. Can the cold damage my hearing aids?
Most hearing aids are made to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are manufactured to be used on a daily basis. They’re built so you can wear them to the supermarket, out for a hike, or just around the house. The manufacturers of these devices are well aware that they need to have a resilient construction. But just because hearing aids are designed to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything extreme with them.
As a result, most hearing aids are manufactured to be somewhat “all-weather”. The safe temperature range for most hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad spectrum of temperature possibilities (even though there are some places, particularly up north, that will occasionally get colder than -13 degrees).
Which is a good thing! It means you’ll be able to hear in most environments. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s really cold? Well, drops in temperature will put strain on your devices, so while they might function, they might not work at their best.
Tips for hearing aids in the winter
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help make sure your hearing aids continue to function at maximum efficiency (or near enough) even in cold weather.
- Talk to us about how your hearing aids are fitting: At times, when they get really cold, hearing aids can be uncomfortable. Minimize any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- Be certain you have freshly charged batteries: Hearing aid batteries don’t generally freeze but they will drain quicker in the cold. This means you’ll want to make certain you have a full charge before heading out into any inclement weather.
- Keep your hearing aids somewhere warm and dry when you aren’t wearing them: This will help stop moisture from causing problems with your hearing aids. You’re probably asking: “How do I remove moisture from my hearing aids”? Normally, you can wipe it down and allow it to air dry in a warm spot.
- Try donning a hat or earmuffs: Wearing a hat or earmuffs will keep both your ears and your hearing aid toasty. And your hearing aids will work at their optimal level if they’re warm. Your next question might be: can I wear ear muffs over my hearing aid without affecting my hearing? Well, it depends on the hearing aid, but in most cases, your hearing aids will still continue to work.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by making use of accessories.: In order to ensure your hearing aids remain securely in place in your ears you can utilize one of many available clips or straps. This can be particularly significant if you’re involved in strenuous activity, including skiing, skating, or sledding.
- Try not to let your hearing aid wet: Be careful not to get snow on your hearing aid because when snow melts, things get wet. If you’re going to ask, “Well, can I wear hearing aids when it’s raining or snowing”? Yes, you can. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not necessarily waterproof. This means your hearing aid can most likely get a bit wet, but it’s not a great idea to leave it that way longer than you have to.
So, if you’re wondering: how can I safeguard my hearing aids in the winter? That’s precisely what we’re going to find out.
What should you do if your hearing aids stop working?
Of course, even in the optimal weather conditions, your hearing aid may occasionally quit working. You can take a few basic measures to troubleshoot your device (for instance, ensure the batteries are charged and that your devices are nice and dry). If you still can’t determine why they’re not working, we should be able to assist you with that.
Don’t let cold weather keep you from enjoying life!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s understandable that you would want to stay inside. Perhaps you aren’t a winter person. Perhaps a nice hot bowl of soup would hit the spot. Perhaps you aren’t a big fan of snowmobiles. What’s essential here is not to let issues with your hearing aid diminish your quality of life, even during the winter.That’s particularly true if you take care of your devices, and follow the tips outlined above. If you have any questions about how cold weather may impact the performance of your hearing aids, talk to us today!