Lots of individuals really love winter! Okay, it can certainly be a bummer if you have to go anywhere. Or if you’re not properly prepared. But there are lots of fun things to do in those chillier winter months.
Still not convinced? Well, here are only a few instances of how cold weather can be enjoyable: you could go sledding or skiing. You could go for a snowmobile ride. Or you could grab a pair of ice skates and spend a little time out on the ice. With the right gear, winter can be just as much of an outdoor season as spring, summer, or fall (and the hot cocoa is so much more satisfying when you’ve been outside in the cold).
But the secret here is using the appropriate gear. You might be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold weather affect my hearing aids? Can the cold damage my hearing aids?
Most hearing aids are manufactured to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are designed to be used full-time. They’re made to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. The makers of these devices understand that they need to have a robust construction. But just because hearing aids are designed to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything drastic with them.
The majority of hearing aids are designed to be basically “all weather” as a result. Most hearing aids can function quite well between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad range of temperature possibilities (even though there are some places, especially up north, that will occasionally get colder than -13 degrees).
You will be capable of hearing well in most environments and that’s a wonderful thing. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s really cold? Well, drops in temperature will put stress on your devices, so while they may function, they might not work at their best.
Tips for hearing aids in the winter
You can keep your hearing aids operating at near maximum efficiency if you take a few steps.
- Monitor your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Do hearing aid batteries freeze? Well, not really. But cold weather can drain your batteries faster than warm weather. This means you’ll want to make certain you have a full charge before heading out into any inclement weather.
- Getting your hearing aid wet isn’t a good idea: Be cautious 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 rain or snow, the answer is yes. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not usually waterproof. So while your hearing aid will most likely be fine if it gets a bit wet, you should dry it as soon as possible.
- We can help ensure your hearing aid fits properly: Hearing aids can sometimes be uncomfortable when they’re cold. Talk to us about the fit of your devices to give yourself the chance to minimize discomfort.
- It’s helpful to wear earmuffs or a hat: Wearing a hat or earmuffs will keep both your ears and your hearing aid cozy. And your hearing aids will operate at their optimal level if they are warm. 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 keep working.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by making use of accessories.: In order to ensure your hearing aids remain securely in place in your ears you can make use of one of many available straps or clips. This can be especially significant if you’re involved in strenuous activity, including skiing, skating, or sledding.
- Keep your hearing aids somewhere warm and dry when you aren’t using them: This will help stop moisture from causing issues with your hearing aids. You’re most likely asking: “How do I eliminate moisture from my hearing aids”? Usually, you can wipe it down and let it air dry in a warm spot.
So, if you’re wondering: how can I protect my hearing aids in the winter? That’s precisely what we’re going to find out.
If your hearing aid stops working, what should you do?
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 (for example, make sure the batteries are charged and that your devices are nice and dry). 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 in the cold!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s understandable that you would want to stay indoors. Maybe you don’t enjoy the cold. Maybe you’re going to make yourself some nice warm soup. Possibly snowmobiles aren’t your jam. The essential thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are stopping you from living your best winter life.
If you follow 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 impacted by the cold.