Lots of people really love winter! Alright, it can certainly be a bummer if you have to go anywhere. Or if you don’t have the correct gear (or proper infrastructure). But during those chilly winter months, you can find plenty of fun things to do.
Still not convinced? Sledding and skiing aren’t the only enjoyable things you can do in the winter. You could have some fun on a snowmobile! Or you could grab a pair of ice skates and spend a little 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 proper gear.
But that’s an important caveat: you need the proper gear to stay comfortable. You might be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold weather 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 used on a daily basis. They’re made to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers understand that these devices might take a pounding. But just because hearing aids are designed to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything drastic with them.
Most hearing aids are manufactured to be basically “all weather” as a result. The safe temperature range for most hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. There are some places that will sometimes get colder than -13 but usually, that covers the broad range of temperatures.
Which is a good thing! It means you’ll be capable of hearing in most environments. Now, you may be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids work as well in the cold? Hearing aids will function in the cold, just maybe not as well.
Tips for hearing aids in the winter
You can keep your hearing aids functioning at close to peak efficiency if you take a few measures.
- Make sure you have freshly charged batteries: Hearing aid batteries don’t generally freeze but they will drain quicker in the cold. So before you go out in the cold, be sure your battery is completely charged.
- Keep your hearing aids somewhere warm and dry when you aren’t using them: Your hearing aid will function better and with fewer problems if you keep moisture out of it. You’re probably asking: “How do I eliminate moisture from my hearing aids”? In most situations, you can dry it off and then put it someplace warm and dry.
- Try wearing a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears cozy, it’ll keep your hearing aids warm, also! And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more ideally they’ll be functioning. Perhaps you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still work if you have earmuffs over them. Well, it depends on the hearing aid, but in most cases, your hearing aids will still keep working.
- Talk to us about the fit of your hearing aids: Hearing aids can sometimes be uncomfortable when they’re cold. Speak with us about the fit of your devices to give yourself the chance to decrease discomfort.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by using 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 doing any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is specifically relevant.
- Letting your hearing aids get wet isn’t a smart idea: Be careful 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 snow and rain, the answer is yes. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not necessarily waterproof. This means your hearing aid can probably get a bit wet, but it’s not a very good idea to leave it that way longer than necessary.
Maybe you’re wondering how to safeguard your hearing aids when it gets cold. Well, now you have some answers.
If your hearing aid stops working, what should you do?
Of course, even in the optimal weather conditions, your hearing aid might occasionally quit working. There are a few straightforward troubleshooting steps you can take (for instance, make sure the batteries are charged and that your devices are nice and dry). But if those steps aren’t helpful, we should be able to help you identify the cause of the issue and the best way to fix it.
Don’t let cold weather stop you from enjoying life!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s understandable that you would want to stay indoors. Maybe you don’t like the cold. Possibly you’re going to make yourself some yummy hot soup. Maybe snowmobiles aren’t your jam. What’s essential here is not to let issues with your hearing aid diminish 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 particularly true. If you have any questions about how cold weather could impact the performance of your hearing aids, call us today!
