Contrary to popular belief, winter is fun! Well, if you need to go somewhere, it can certainly be difficult. Or if you don’t have the correct gear (or proper infrastructure). But there are plenty of fun things to do in those colder winter months.
Still not convinced? Well, here are only a few instances of how cold weather can be enjoyable: you could go skiing or sledding. You could have a good time on a snowmobile! 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 outdoors in the cold).
But the secret here is using the right gear. 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 designed to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are designed to be used every day. They’re meant to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. The manufacturers of these devices understand that they need to have a robust construction. We don’t recommend you do anything drastic with your hearing aids, just remember that they’re made to accompany you throughout your normal daily tasks.
As a result, most hearing aids are made to be somewhat “all-weather”. The safe temperature range for the majority of hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad range of temperature possibilities (although there are some places, particularly up north, that will occasionally get colder than -13 degrees).
Which is a good thing! It means you’ll be capable of hearing in most environments. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s really cold? Well, drops in temperature will put strain on your devices, so while they may function, they might not operate 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.
- Try donning a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears cozy, it’ll keep your hearing aids toasty, also! And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more optimally they’ll be functioning. 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 continue to work.
- Check your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Hearing aid batteries don’t necessarily freeze but they will die faster in the cold. So before you go out in the cold, be sure your battery is completely charged.
- When you’re not wearing your hearing aids, keep 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 most likely asking: “How do I remove moisture from my hearing aids”? In most instances, you can dry it off and then put it someplace warm and dry.
- 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. This can be particularly important if you’re involved in strenuous activity, like skiing, skating, or sledding.
- Speak with us about the fit of your hearing aids: Hearing aids can sometimes become uncomfortable when they’re cold. Talk to us about the fit of your devices to give yourself the opportunity to decrease discomfort.
- Getting your hearing aid wet isn’t a good idea: When snow melts, it’s wet, 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 snowing or raining”? 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.
So, if you’re wondering: how can I safeguard 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 quit working even when the weather is warm and dry. There are a few practical troubleshooting steps you can take (for instance, ensure the batteries are charged and that your devices are good and dry). If you still can’t determine why they aren’t working, we should be able to assist you with that.
You can still enjoy life even in the cold!
There are lots of reasons why you may want to stay inside when it’s -10 degrees outside. Maybe you’re not a winter person. Perhaps a nice hot bowl of soup would do the trick. Maybe snowmobiles aren’t your jam. What’s essential here is not to let problems with your hearing aid diminish your quality of life, even during the winter.
That’s especially true if you take care of your devices, and observe the guidelines outlined above. If you have any questions about how cold weather could impact the performance of your hearing aids, call us today!