Lots of individuals really love winter! Alright, it can certainly be a bummer if you have to go somewhere. Or if you don’t have the proper gear (or proper infrastructure). But there are plenty of fun things to do in those colder winter months.
Don’t believe it? Sledding and skiing aren’t the only fun things you can do in the winter. You could have some fun on a snowmobile! Or you could get a pair of ice skates and spend some time out on the ice. You can enjoy being outside in the winter just as much as the summer, spring, or, autumn if you have the proper gear.
But that’s a significant caveat: you need the correct gear to stay comfortable. You might be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold weather impact my hearing aids? Will the cold damage my hearing aids?
Most hearing aids are manufactured to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are manufactured to be used on a daily basis. They’re made 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 suggest you do anything drastic with your hearing aids, just remember that they’re made to go along with you throughout your normal daily tasks.
Most hearing aids are designed to be basically “all weather” as a result. The safe temperature range for the majority of hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad spectrum of temperature possibilities (though there are some places, particularly up north, that will occasionally get colder than -13 degrees).
You will be capable of hearing well in the majority of settings and that’s a wonderful thing. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s really cold? Well, drops in temperature will put stress on your devices, so while they might work, they might not operate optimally.
Some winter hearing aid advice
Fortunately, 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.
- Utilize accessories to keep your hearing aids strapped to your ears: There are all kinds of straps and clips you can use to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. If you’re participating in any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is specifically true.
- Make sure you have freshly charged batteries: Hearing aid batteries don’t generally freeze but they will drain quicker in the cold. So before you go out in the cold, be sure your battery is completely charged.
- Talk to us about how your hearing aids are fitting: Hearing aids can sometimes be uncomfortable when they’re cold. Speak with us about the fit of your devices to give yourself the opportunity to decrease discomfort.
- When you’re not using your hearing aids, keep them in a dry and warm spot: This will help stop moisture from causing problems with your hearing aids. Maybe you’re not certain how to remove moisture from your hearing aid. In most instances, you can dry it off and then put it someplace dry and warm.
- Try not to let your hearing aid wet: Be cautious not to get snow on your hearing aid because when snow melts, things get wet. If you’re going to ask, “Well, can I wear hearing aids when it’s snowing or raining”? Yes, you can. Even though most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are typically water resistant. This means your hearing aid can probably get a little wet, but it’s not a very good idea to leave it that way longer than you have to.
- It helps to wear a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears warm, it’ll keep your hearing aids warm, as well! And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more ideally 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.
So, if you’re wondering: how do I protect my hearing aids in the winter? Well, now you’ve got some answers.
If your hearing aid stops working, what should you do?
Of course, even in the best possible weather conditions, your hearing aid might occasionally stop working. There are a few straightforward troubleshooting measures you can take (for example, make sure the batteries are charged and that your devices are nice and dry). But if those steps aren’t helpful, we should be able to help you identify the cause of the problem and the best way to fix it.
You can still enjoy life even when it’s cold!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s understandable that you would want to stay indoors. Perhaps you aren’t a winter person. Perhaps a nice warm bowl of soup would hit the spot. Possibly snowmobiles aren’t your jam. The important thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are stopping you from living your greatest winter life.
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 impact the performance of your hearing aids, talk to us today!
