Lots of individuals really love winter! Okay, it can definitely be a bummer if you have to get somewhere. Or if you don’t have the correct gear (or proper infrastructure). But during those cold winter months, you can find plenty of enjoyable things to do.
Don’t believe it? Skiing and sledding aren’t the only fun things you can do in the winter. You could go for a snowmobile ride. You could go 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 that’s an important caveat: you need the right gear to stay comfortable. Maybe you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be impacted by the cold. Will the cold damage my hearing aids?
Most hearing aids are manufactured to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are meant to be used full-time. They’re built so you can wear them to the supermarket, out on a hike, or just around the house. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers understand that these devices might take a beating. But just because hearing aids are designed to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything drastic with them.
As a result, most hearing aids are manufactured to be somewhat “all-weather”. Most hearing aids can operate quite nicely between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. There are some spots that will sometimes get colder than -13 but usually, that covers the broad spectrum 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 function as well in the cold? Well, drops in temperature will put strain on your devices, so while they may operate, they might not operate optimally.
Tips for hearing aids in the winter
You can keep your hearing aids working at close to peak efficiency if you take a few measures.
- We can help ensure your hearing aid fits correctly: Sometimes, when they get really cold, hearing aids can become uncomfortable. Reduce any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by making use of accessories.: In order to be sure your hearing aids remain securely in place in your ears you can utilize one of many available clips or straps. If you’re participating in any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is particularly relevant.
- It’s helpful to wear a hat or earmuffs: Wearing earmuffs or a hat will keep both your ears and your hearing aid warm. And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more ideally they’ll be working. 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 continue to work.
- Try not to get your hearing aids wet: When snow melts, it becomes water, so be mindful about exposing your hearing aids to snow. If you’re going to ask, “Well, can I wear hearing aids when it’s raining or snowing”? Yes, you can. Though most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are normally water resistant. So while your hearing aid will most likely be okay if it gets a little wet, you should dry it as soon as you can.
- When you’re not using your hearing aids, store them in a dry and warm place: Your hearing aid will function better and with fewer issues if you keep moisture out of it. You’re probably asking: “How do I remove moisture from my hearing aids”? In most situations, you can dry it off and then leave it somewhere dry and warm.
- Make sure you have freshly charged batteries: Can 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 severe weather.
Maybe you’re wondering how to safeguard your hearing aids when it gets cold. That’s precisely what we’re going to explore.
If your hearing aid quits working, what should you do?
Of course, even in the optimal weather conditions, your hearing aid may occasionally stop working. There are a few straightforward troubleshooting steps you can take (make 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 diagnose the cause of the problem 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 inside. Perhaps you aren’t a winter person. Maybe a nice hot bowl of soup would hit the spot. Maybe you’re not a big fan of snowmobiles. 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 guidelines above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is particularly true. Call us if you have any concerns about how your hearing aids might be effected by the cold.