Contrary to popular belief, winter is fun! Well, if you need to go somewhere, it can certainly be a challenge. Or if you aren’t properly prepared. But there are lots of fun things to do in those chillier winter months.
Don’t believe us? Well, here are just a few examples of how cold weather can be enjoyable: you could go sledding or skiing. You could take a snowmobile ride. You could head out onto the ice for some ice skating or ice fishing. You can enjoy being outside in the winter just as much as the summer, spring, or, fall if you have the proper gear.
But that’s a major caveat: you need the proper gear to remain comfortable. Maybe you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be impacted by the cold. Or can cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be fine in any weather
Hearing aids are made to be worn every day. They’re constructed so you can wear them to the supermarket, out for a hike, or simply around the house. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers are aware that these devices might take a pounding. 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 activities.
The majority of hearing aids are designed to be basically “all weather” as a result. The safe temperature range for the majority of hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad spectrum of temperature possibilities (although there are some places, especially up north, that will occasionally get colder than -13 degrees).
You will be able to hear 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? Well, drops in temperature will put strain on your devices, so while they may work, they may not operate at their best.
Guidelines for hearing aids in the winter
Luckily, there are some things you can do to help make sure your hearing aids continue to work at peak efficiency (or near enough) even in cold weather.
- When you’re not using your hearing aids, keep them in a dry and warm spot: This will help prevent moisture from causing issues with your hearing aids. Maybe you aren’t certain how to eliminate moisture from your hearing aid. Usually, 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 warm. And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more ideally they’ll be working. Maybe 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 continue to work.
- We can help ensure your hearing aid fits properly: Hearing aids can sometimes become uncomfortable when they’re cold. Talk to us about the fit of your devices to give yourself the opportunity to minimize discomfort.
- 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 use hearing aids when it’s raining or snowing”? Yes, you can. Although most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are typically water resistant. This means your hearing aid can most likely get a little wet, but it’s not a great idea to leave it that way longer than necessary.
- Be certain you have freshly charged batteries: Can 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.
- Use accessories to keep your hearing aids strapped to your ears: There are all kinds of straps and clips you can use to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. This can be particularly significant if you’re involved in strenuous activity, like skiing, skating, or sledding.
So, if you’re wondering: how do I safeguard my hearing aids in the winter? That’s exactly what we’re going to find out.
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. You can take a few basic steps to troubleshoot your device (make sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for instance). If you still can’t figure out why they aren’t 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 indoors. Perhaps you’re not a winter person. Maybe you’re going to make yourself some nice hot soup. Possibly snowmobiles aren’t your jam. What’s essential here is not to let problems with your hearing aid impact your quality of life, even when it’s winter.
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 effect the performance of your hearing aids, talk to us today!
