Lots of individuals really love winter! Okay, it can certainly be a bummer if you have to go somewhere. Or if you aren’t properly prepared. But there are plenty of fun things to do in those chillier winter months.
Don’t believe us? Skiing and sledding aren’t the only fun things you can do in the winter. You could take a snowmobile ride. 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 proper gear.
But that’s a significant caveat: you need the correct gear to stay comfortable. You may be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold weather affect my hearing aids? Or will cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be okay in any weather
Hearing aids are meant to be used full-time. They’re meant to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. The manufacturers of these devices are well aware that they need to have a resilient construction. We don’t suggest you do anything extreme with your hearing aids, just remember that they’re made to accompany you throughout your normal daily tasks.
Most hearing aids are manufactured to be basically “all weather” as a result. Most hearing aids can work quite well between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad range of temperature possibilities (although there are some places, especially up north, that will sometimes get colder than -13 degrees).
You will be able to hear well in the majority of environments and that’s a great thing. Now, you might be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids work as well in the cold? Well, drops in temperature will put stress on your devices, so while they might function, they might not work optimally.
Guidelines for hearing aids in the winter
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help ensure your hearing aids continue to function at peak efficiency (or near enough) even in cold weather.
- Monitor your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Can hearing aid batteries freeze? Well, not really. But cold weather can drain your batteries faster than warm weather. This means you’ll want to be certain you have a full charge before going out into any inclement weather.
- Consult us about the fit of your hearing aids: Hearing aids can sometimes be uncomfortable when they’re cold. Minimize any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by utilizing accessories.: There are all kinds of straps and clips you can use to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. This can be especially significant if you’re engaged in strenuous activity, such as skiing, skating, or sledding.
- Try wearing a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears warm, it’ll keep your hearing aids warm, too! And your hearing aids will work at their maximum level if they are warm. Maybe you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still function if you have earmuffs over them. Most hearing aids will continue to work just fine with earmuffs on.
- Letting your hearing aids get wet isn’t a good idea: Be careful not to get snow on your hearing aid because when snow melts, things get wet. If you’re wondering whether you can wear your hearing aids in the snow and rain, the answer is yes. Though most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are typically water resistant. This means your hearing aid can most likely get a bit wet, but it’s not a very good idea to leave it that way longer than you have to.
- When you aren’t using your hearing aids, keep them in a dry and warm place: This will help prevent moisture from causing problems with your hearing aids. Maybe you’re not certain how to remove moisture from your hearing aid. In most situations, you can dry it off and then leave it somewhere dry and warm.
So, if you’re wondering: how can I safeguard my hearing aids in the winter? Well, now you have some answers.
What should you do if your hearing aids quit working?
Sometimes, unfortunately, your hearing aid will quit working even when the weather is warm and dry. You can take a few basic steps to troubleshoot your device (be sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for example). But if those steps aren’t helpful, we should be able to help you diagnose the cause of the issue and the best way to fix it.
You can still enjoy life even when it’s cold!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s understandable that you would want to stay inside. Perhaps you don’t like the cold. Possibly you’re going to make yourself some yummy hot soup. Maybe snowmobiles aren’t your jam. The important thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are stopping you from living your greatest winter life.
If you follow the tips above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is especially true. If you have any questions about how cold weather might impact the performance of your hearing aids, talk to us today!