Contrary to popular opinion, winter is fun! Well, if you need to go somewhere, it can definitely be difficult. Or if you don’t have the correct gear (or proper infrastructure). 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 go for a snowmobile ride. Or you could get a pair of ice skates and spend a little time out on the ice. With the proper gear, winter can be just as much of an outdoor season as spring, summer, or fall (and the hot cocoa is so much more rewarding when you’ve been outside in the cold).
But the key here is using the right gear. Perhaps 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 fine in any weather
Hearing aids are meant to be used full-time. They’re made to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers are aware that these devices may take a pounding. But just because hearing aids are designed to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything extreme with them.
Most hearing aids are manufactured to be basically “all weather” as a result. Most hearing aids can function quite nicely between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad range of temperature possibilities (although there are some places, particularly up north, that will sometimes get colder than -13 degrees).
Which is a good thing! It means you’ll be capable of hearing in most environments. 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 strain on your devices, so while they may function, they may not work optimally.
Some winter hearing aid tips
You can keep your hearing aids operating at close to peak efficiency if you take a few measures.
- Be certain you have freshly charged batteries: Do hearing aid batteries freeze? Well, not really. But cold weather can kill your batteries faster than warm weather. So before you go out in the cold, make sure your battery is completely charged.
- Speak with us about how your hearing aids are fitting: At times, when they get really cold, hearing aids can become uncomfortable. Speak with us about the fit of your devices in order to give yourself the opportunity to decrease discomfort.
- Getting your hearing aid 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 going to ask, “Well, can I wear hearing aids when it’s snowing or raining”? Yes, you can. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not usually waterproof. This means your hearing aid can most likely get a little wet, but it’s not a very good idea to leave it that way longer than necessary.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by utilizing accessories.: In order to be sure your hearing aids stay securely in place in your ears you can make use of one of many available clips or straps. If you’re doing any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is particularly relevant.
- It helps to wear a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears warm, it’ll keep your hearing aids toasty, too! And your hearing aids will work at their optimal level if they are warm. Maybe you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still work if you have earmuffs over them. Most hearing aids will still work just fine with earmuffs on.
- 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. You’re probably asking: “How do I eliminate moisture from my hearing aids”? Normally, you can wipe it down and allow it to air dry in a warm spot.
So, if you’re wondering: how can I protect my hearing aids in the winter? Well, now you have some answers.
If your hearing aid quits working, what should you do?
Occasionally, unfortunately, your hearing aid will stop working even when the weather is warm and dry. You can take a few basic measures to troubleshoot your device (for example, make sure the batteries are charged and that your devices are good and dry). But if those steps don’t help, we should be able to help you determine the cause of the issue and the best way to fix it.
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 indoors. Perhaps you’re not a winter person. Perhaps a nice hot bowl of soup would hit the spot. Maybe you aren’t a big fan of snowmobiles. The essential thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are stopping 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. Contact us if you have any concerns about how your hearing aids might be effected by the cold.
