Lots of individuals really love winter! Okay, 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 there are plenty of fun things to do in those chillier winter months.
Still not convinced? Skiing and sledding aren’t the only fun things you can do in the winter. You could have a good time on a snowmobile! Or you could get a pair of ice skates and spend a little time out on the ice. With the proper 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 having the right gear. Perhaps you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be effected by the cold. Will the cold damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be fine in any weather
Hearing aids are designed to be used every day. They’re meant to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. The makers of these devices are well aware that they need to have a robust construction. We don’t recommend you do anything extreme with your hearing aids, just remember that they’re manufactured to go along with you throughout your normal daily activities.
The majority of hearing aids are built to be basically “all weather” as a result. Most hearing aids can operate quite well between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. There are some spots that will sometimes go below -13 but otherwise, that covers the broad range of temperatures.
Which is a good thing! It means you’ll be able to hear in most settings. Now, you might be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids work as well in the winter? Well, drops in temperature will put stress on your devices, so while they may operate, they might not operate at their best.
Tips for hearing aids in the winter
You can keep your hearing aids functioning at close to maximum efficiency if you take a few measures.
- Consult 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 minimize discomfort.
- Getting your hearing aid wet isn’t a good idea: When snow melts, it’s wet, so be cautious about exposing your hearing aids to snow. If you’re wondering whether you can wear your hearing aids in the rain or snow, the answer is yes. Even though most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are normally water resistant. So while your hearing aid will probably be fine if it gets a little wet, you should dry it as soon as you can.
- Be certain you have freshly charged batteries: Hearing aid batteries don’t generally freeze but they will die faster in the cold. This means you’ll want to be certain you have a full charge before going out into any inclement weather.
- It helps to wear a hat or earmuffs: Wearing earmuffs or a hat will keep both your ears and your hearing aid toasty. 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? Most hearing aids will continue to work just fine with earmuffs on.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by utilizing accessories.: There are all kinds 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 true.
- Keep your hearing aids somewhere warm and dry when you aren’t using them: This will help prevent moisture from causing issues with your hearing aids. Perhaps you’re not sure how to remove moisture from your hearing aid. Usually, you can wipe it down and let it air dry in a warm spot.
Perhaps you’re wondering how to safeguard your hearing aids when it gets cold. Well, now you’ve got some answers.
If your hearing aid stops working, what should you do?
Occasionally, 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 (be sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for instance). If you still aren’t able to determine why they’re not working, we should be able to assist you with that.
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’re not a winter person. Maybe a delicious hot bowl of soup would hit the spot. Maybe snowmobiles aren’t your jam. The important thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are preventing you from living your greatest winter life.
That’s particularly true if you take care of your devices, and observe the guidelines outlined above. If you have any questions about how cold weather could effect the performance of your hearing aids, talk to us today!