Contrary to popular opinion, winter is fun! Okay, it can definitely be a bummer if you need to get somewhere. Or if you aren’t properly prepared. But during those chilly winter months, you can find plenty of enjoyable things to do.
Still not convinced? Sledding and skiing aren’t the only enjoyable things you can do in the winter. 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 outside in the winter just as much as the summer, spring, or, autumn if you have the right gear.
But the key here is having the appropriate gear. You may be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold air affect my hearing aids? Or can cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Most hearing aids are manufactured to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are manufactured to be worn every day. They’re designed to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. The makers of these devices understand that they need to have a resilient construction. We don’t recommend you do anything drastic with your hearing aids, just remember that they’re made to go along with you throughout your normal daily tasks.
Consequently, most hearing aids are designed to be somewhat “all-weather”. The safe temperature range for the majority of hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad range of temperature possibilities (though there are some places, particularly up north, that will sometimes get colder than -13 degrees).
You will be able to hear well in most settings and that’s a great thing. 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 may not work optimally.
Some winter hearing aid tips
You can keep your hearing aids working at near peak efficiency if you take a few measures.
- Try to dawn a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears warm, it’ll keep your hearing aids warm, too! And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more ideally they’ll be functioning. Perhaps you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still function if you have earmuffs over them. Well, it depends on the hearing aid, but in most cases, your hearing aids will still keep working.
- Keep your hearing aids somewhere warm and dry when you aren’t wearing them: This will help prevent moisture from causing issues with your hearing aids. You’re probably asking: “How do I remove moisture from my hearing aids”? Usually, you can wipe it down and allow it to air dry in a warm spot.
- Try not to let your hearing aid wet: Be cautious not to get snow on your hearing aid because when snow melts, things get wet. If you’re going to ask, “Well, can I use hearing aids when it’s raining or snowing”? Yes, you can. Even though most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are normally water resistant. So while your hearing aid will probably be okay if it gets a bit wet, you should dry it as soon as you can.
- Talk to us about the fit of your hearing aids: Sometimes, 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.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by using accessories.: In order to be sure 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 engaged in strenuous activity, such as skiing, skating, or sledding.
- Check your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Hearing aid batteries don’t necessarily freeze but they will drain faster in the cold. So before you go out in the cold, make sure your battery is fully charged.
Perhaps you’re wondering how to safeguard your hearing aids when it gets cold. Well, now you have some answers.
If your hearing aid quits working, what should you do?
Sometimes, unfortunately, your hearing aid will stop 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 example). If you still aren’t able to figure out why they aren’t working, we should be able to help you with that.
Don’t let cold weather keep you from enjoying life!
There are a lot of reasons why you might want to stay inside when it’s -10 degrees outside. Maybe you don’t enjoy the cold. Possibly you’re going to cook yourself some yummy hot soup. Maybe you’re not a big fan of snowmobiles. What’s essential here is not to let problems with your hearing aid impact your quality of life, even during the winter.
If you observe the tips above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is especially true. Call us if you have any questions about how your hearing aids may be impacted by the cold.