Lots of individuals really enjoy winter! Alright, it can definitely be a bummer if you need to get somewhere. Or if you don’t have the correct gear (or proper infrastructure). But during those chilly winter months, you can find lots of enjoyable things to do.
Still not convinced? Skiing and sledding aren’t the only enjoyable things you can do in the winter. 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 correct gear.
But the secret here is having the right gear. You might be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold weather affect my hearing aids? Will the cold damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be okay in any weather
Hearing aids are designed to be worn every day. They’re meant to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. The manufacturers of these devices are well aware that they need to have a resilient 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.
Consequently, most hearing aids are manufactured to be somewhat “all-weather”. 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, especially 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 settings. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s very cold? Hearing aids will work in the cold, just perhaps not as well.
Some winter hearing aid tips
You can keep your hearing aids operating at close to peak efficiency if you take a few measures.
- When you aren’t 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’re not sure how to eliminate moisture from your hearing aid. In most instances, you can dry it off and then put it someplace warm and dry.
- Letting your hearing aids get 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 use hearing aids when it’s raining or snowing”? Yes, you can. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not necessarily waterproof. This means your hearing aid can probably get a little wet, but it’s not a great idea to leave it that way longer than necessary.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits correctly: Hearing aids can sometimes be uncomfortable when they’re cold. Minimize any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- Monitor your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Hearing aid batteries don’t generally freeze but they will drain faster in the cold. So before you go out in the cold, make sure your battery is completely charged.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by utilizing accessories.: In order to ensure your hearing aids stay securely in place in your ears you can utilize one of many available straps or clips. This can be particularly significant if you’re involved in strenuous activity, including skiing, skating, or sledding.
- Try donning a hat or earmuffs: Wearing earmuffs or a hat will keep both your ears and your hearing aid cozy. And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more optimally they’ll be working. Your next question may be: can I wear ear muffs over my hearing aid without affecting my hearing? Well, it depends on the hearing aid, but in most cases, your hearing aids will still continue to work.
Perhaps you’re wondering how to protect your hearing aids when it gets cold. Well, now you’ve got some answers.
What should you do if your hearing aids stop working?
Of course, even in the best weather conditions, your hearing aid may occasionally quit working. There are a few practical troubleshooting steps you can take (be sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for instance). But if those steps don’t help, we should be able to help you identify the cause of the issue and the best way to fix it.
You can still enjoy life even when it’s cold!
There are plenty of reasons why you may want to stay indoors when it’s -10 degrees outside. Maybe you aren’t a winter person. Maybe a delicious hot bowl of soup would hit the spot. Maybe snowmobiles aren’t your jam. What’s important here is not to let problems with your hearing aid impact your quality of life, even during the winter.
That’s especially true if you take care of your devices, and observe the tips outlined above. If you have any questions about how cold weather could effect the performance of your hearing aids, talk to us today!
