Contrary to popular opinion, winter is fun! Well, if you have to go somewhere, it can certainly be difficult. Or if you aren’t properly prepared. But there are plenty of fun things to do in those chillier winter months.
Still not convinced? Well, here are just a few examples of how cold weather can be enjoyable: you could go skiing or sledding. You could have a good time on a snowmobile! Or you could get a pair of ice skates and spend some time out on the ice. You can enjoy being outdoors in the winter just as much as the summer, spring, or, autumn if you have the correct gear.
But the secret here is using the appropriate gear. 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?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be okay in any weather
Hearing aids are designed to be used full-time. They’re built so you can wear them to the supermarket, out on a hike, or just around the house. The makers 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 drastic with them.
As a result, most hearing aids are manufactured to be somewhat “all-weather”. Most hearing aids can operate quite nicely between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad spectrum of temperature possibilities (although there are some places, especially up north, that will sometimes get colder than -13 degrees).
You will be capable of hearing well in most settings and that’s a great thing. Now, you might be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids function as well in the winter? Hearing aids will work in the cold, just perhaps not as well.
Tips for hearing aids in the winter
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help ensure your hearing aids continue to function at peak efficiency (or close enough) even in cold weather.
- When you aren’t wearing your hearing aids, store them in a dry and warm place: Your hearing aid will work better and with fewer problems if you keep moisture out of it. Maybe you aren’t certain how to remove moisture from your hearing aid. In the majority of cases, you can dry it off and then leave it somewhere dry and warm.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits correctly: Hearing aids can sometimes be uncomfortable when they’re cold. Reduce any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- Getting your hearing aid wet isn’t a good idea: Be cautious not to get snow on your hearing aid because when snow melts, things get wet. If you’re wondering whether you can use your hearing aids in the rain or snow, the answer is yes. Even though most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are normally water resistant. So while your hearing aid will most likely be fine if it gets a little wet, you should dry it as soon as possible.
- Try wearing a hat or earmuffs: Wearing a hat or earmuffs will keep both your ears and your hearing aid warm. And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more ideally they’ll be functioning. Maybe you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still work if you have earmuffs over them. Well, it depends on the hearing aid, but in most cases, your hearing aids will still keep working.
- Make use of accessories to keep your hearing aids secured to your ears: There are all manner of straps and clips you can make use of to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. This can be particularly significant if you’re involved in strenuous activity, including skiing, skating, or sledding.
- Make sure you have freshly charged batteries: Do hearing aid batteries freeze? Well, not really. But cold weather can drain your batteries faster than warm weather. This means you’ll want to make sure you have a full charge before going out into any severe weather.
So, if you’re wondering: how can I protect my hearing aids in the winter? Well, now you’ve got some answers.
If your hearing aid quits working, what should you do?
Sometimes, unfortunately, your hearing aid will quit working even when the weather is warm and dry. There are a few standard troubleshooting steps you can take (be sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for instance). If you still aren’t able to figure out 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 reasonable that you would want to stay inside. Perhaps you don’t enjoy the cold. Possibly you’re going to make yourself some yummy hot soup. Maybe you’re not a big fan of snowmobiles. The important thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are preventing you from living your best winter life.
If you observe the tips above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is especially true. If you have any questions about how cold weather may impact the performance of your hearing aids, talk to us today!
