Lots of people really love winter! Well, if you have to go somewhere, it can certainly be a challenge. Or if you aren’t properly prepared. But during those cold winter months, you can find lots of enjoyable things to do.
Still not convinced? Well, here are only a few instances of how cold weather can be enjoyable: you could go sledding or skiing. You could go for a snowmobile ride. Or you could get a pair of ice skates and spend a little time out on the ice. With the correct gear, winter can be just as much of an outdoor season as spring, summer, or fall (and the hot cocoa is so much more rewarding when you’ve been outdoors in the cold).
But the secret here is using the right gear. You might be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold weather 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 made to be used full-time. They’re designed to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. Which means that hearing aid makers understand that these devices might take a pounding. But just because hearing aids are designed to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything drastic with them.
Consequently, most hearing aids are made to be somewhat “all-weather”. The safe temperature range for most hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. There are some spots that will sometimes get colder than -13 but otherwise, that covers the broad range of temperatures.
You will be capable of hearing well in the majority of environments and that’s a wonderful thing. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s very cold? Well, drops in temperature will put stress on your devices, so while they may function, they might not work at their best.
Some winter hearing aid tips
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help make sure your hearing aids continue to work at maximum efficiency (or near enough) even in cold weather.
- Try not to let your hearing aid wet: When snow melts, it becomes water, so be careful about exposing your hearing aids to snow. If you’re going to ask, “Well, can I use hearing aids when it’s snowing or raining”? Yes, you can. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not usually waterproof. This means your hearing aid can most likely get a little wet, but it’s not a great idea to leave it that way longer than you have to.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits properly: 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.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by utilizing accessories.: There are all manner of straps and clips you can use to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. If you’re doing any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is especially relevant.
- Make sure you have freshly charged batteries: Hearing aid batteries don’t necessarily freeze but they will die faster in the cold. So before you go out in the cold, make sure your battery is fully charged.
- Try donning a hat or earmuffs: Wearing a hat or earmuffs will keep both your ears and your hearing aid cozy. And your hearing aids will function at their maximum level if they’re warm. Your next question might be: can I wear ear muffs on top of my hearing aid without affecting my hearing? Well, it depends on the hearing aid, but in most cases, your hearing aids will still keep working.
- Keep your hearing aids somewhere warm and dry when you aren’t using them: 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 the majority of situations, you can dry it off and then put it someplace warm and dry.
So, if you’re wondering: how do I safeguard my hearing aids in the winter? That’s precisely what we’re going to find out.
If your hearing aid quits working, what should you do?
Occasionally, unfortunately, your hearing aid will stop working even when the weather is warm and dry. There are a few standard troubleshooting measures you can take (make sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for example). But if those steps don’t help, we should be able to help you identify 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 reasonable that you would want to stay inside. Maybe you don’t enjoy the cold. Maybe a nice warm bowl of soup would hit the spot. Maybe snowmobiles aren’t your jam. What’s important here is not to let issues with your hearing aid diminish your quality of life, even when it’s winter.
If you observe the tips above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is especially true. Call us if you have any questions about how your hearing aids may be impacted by the cold.