Lots of individuals really love winter! Well, if you have to go somewhere, it can definitely be a challenge. Or if you don’t have the proper gear (or proper infrastructure). But during those cold winter months, you can find lots of enjoyable things to do.
Don’t believe it? Well, here are only a few examples of how cold weather can be fun: you could go sledding or skiing. 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, fall if you have the right gear.
But the key here is using the appropriate gear. You might be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold air impact 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 built so you can wear them to the supermarket, out for a hike, or just around the house. The makers of these devices are well aware that they need to have a robust construction. But just because hearing aids are meant to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything drastic with them.
Consequently, most hearing aids are made to be somewhat “all-weather”. Most hearing aids can operate quite nicely between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. There are some places that will sometimes get colder than -13 but otherwise, that covers the broad spectrum of temperatures.
Which is a good thing! It means you’ll be able to hear in most environments. Now, you may 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 maybe not as well.
Guidelines for hearing aids in the winter
You can keep your hearing aids working at close to peak efficiency if you take a few measures.
- Make sure you have freshly charged batteries: Do hearing aid batteries freeze? Well, not really. But cold weather can kill your batteries faster than warm weather. This means you’ll want to make sure you have a full charge before heading out into any severe weather.
- 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. Perhaps you’re not certain how to eliminate moisture from your hearing aid. In the majority of situations, you can dry it off and then put it somewhere dry and warm.
- Getting your hearing aid wet isn’t a good idea: When snow melts, it becomes water, so be careful about exposing your hearing aids to snow. 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. So while your hearing aid will probably be okay if it gets a little wet, you should dry it as soon as possible.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits correctly: Hearing aids can sometimes become uncomfortable when they’re cold. Reduce 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 manner of straps and clips you can make use of to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. If you’re participating in any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is particularly relevant.
- Try wearing a hat or earmuffs: Wearing a hat or earmuffs will keep both your ears and your hearing aid cozy. 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. Most hearing aids will still work just fine with earmuffs on.
So, if you’re wondering: how do I protect 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. There are a few straightforward troubleshooting steps you can take (make 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 assist you with that.
You can still enjoy life even when it’s cold!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s reasonable that you would want to stay indoors. Maybe you don’t enjoy the cold. Perhaps a delicious warm bowl of soup would hit the spot. Possibly snowmobiles aren’t your jam. What’s important here is not to let problems with your hearing aid diminish your quality of life, even during the winter.
If you observe the tips above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is particularly true. If you have any questions about how cold weather could impact the performance of your hearing aids, call us today!