Contrary to popular belief, winter is fun! Alright, it can definitely be a bummer if you have to go 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.
Don’t believe it? Well, here are just a few examples of how cold weather can be enjoyable: you could go skiing or sledding. You could take a snowmobile ride. You could go out onto the ice for some ice skating or ice fishing. You can enjoy being outdoors in the winter just as much as the summer, spring, or, fall if you have the proper gear.
But the key here is using the appropriate gear. You might be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold air 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 used every day. They’re made 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 keep in mind that they’re made to accompany you throughout your normal daily tasks.
Consequently, most hearing aids are designed to be somewhat “all-weather”. Most hearing aids can work quite well between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad spectrum of temperature possibilities (though there are some places, particularly up north, that will sometimes get colder than -13 degrees).
Which is a good thing! It means you’ll be able to hear 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 work, they might not operate optimally.
Tips for hearing aids in the winter
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help ensure your hearing aids continue to function at maximum efficiency (or near enough) even in cold weather.
- When you aren’t wearing your hearing aids, keep them in a dry and warm place: Your hearing aid will work 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”? Normally, you can wipe it down and let it air dry in a warm spot.
- 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 especially important if you’re engaged in strenuous activity, including skiing, skating, or sledding.
- Monitor 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 fully charged.
- 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 wondering whether you can wear your hearing aids in the rain or snow, the answer is yes. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not necessarily waterproof. So while your hearing aid will most likely be okay if it gets a bit wet, you should dry it as soon as possible.
- It’s helpful to wear earmuffs or a hat: Wearing a hat or earmuffs will keep both your ears and your hearing aid cozy. And your hearing aids will work at their optimal level if they are warm. 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.
- Speak with us about how your hearing aids are fitting: Hearing aids can sometimes be uncomfortable when they’re cold. Reduce any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
Perhaps you’re wondering how to protect your hearing aids when it gets cold. That’s exactly what we’re going to explore.
What should you do if your hearing aids quit working?
Of course, even in the optimal weather conditions, your hearing aid may occasionally quit working. There are a few basic troubleshooting measures you can take (for example, make sure the batteries are charged and that your devices are good and dry). If you still aren’t able to figure out why they aren’t 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 don’t like the cold. Possibly you’re going to cook yourself some nice warm soup. Maybe you aren’t a big fan of snowmobiles. The important thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are preventing you from living your best winter life.
If you observe the guidelines above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is particularly true. If you have any questions about how cold weather could effect the performance of your hearing aids, call us today!
