Lots of people really love winter! Well, if you need to go somewhere, it can certainly be difficult. Or if you aren’t properly prepared. But during those cold winter months, you can find plenty of enjoyable things to do.
Still not convinced? Well, here are just a few examples of how cold weather can be enjoyable: you could go sledding or skiing. You could go for a snowmobile ride. You could head 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, autumn if you have the correct gear.
But the key here is using the appropriate gear. Maybe you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be effected by the cold. Can 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 full-time. They’re constructed so you can wear them to the supermarket, out for a hike, or simply around the house. The manufacturers of these devices are well aware that they need to have a robust construction. But just because hearing aids are meant to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything drastic with them.
Most hearing aids are built to be basically “all weather” as a result. Most hearing aids can work quite well between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad range of temperature possibilities (although there are some places, particularly up north, that will sometimes get colder than -13 degrees).
You will be capable of hearing well in the majority of settings and that’s a great thing. Now, you may be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids function as well in the cold? Well, drops in temperature will put stress on your devices, so while they might function, they might not operate at their best.
Some winter hearing aid tips
You can keep your hearing aids operating at near maximum efficiency if you take a few measures.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by making use of accessories.: There are all kinds 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, such as skiing, skating, or sledding.
- Consult us about the fit of your hearing aids: At times, when they get really cold, hearing aids can become uncomfortable. Speak with us about the fit of your devices to give yourself the chance to decrease discomfort.
- It helps to wear a hat or earmuffs: Wearing earmuffs or a hat will keep both your ears and your hearing aid warm. And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more ideally they’ll be functioning. Maybe you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still work if you have earmuffs over them. Most hearing aids will still work just fine with earmuffs on.
- Be certain you have freshly charged batteries: Do hearing aid batteries freeze? Well, not really. But cold weather can kill your batteries faster than warm weather. So before you go out in the cold, be sure your battery is fully charged.
- When you aren’t wearing your hearing aids, store them in a dry and warm spot: Your hearing aid will function better and with fewer problems if you keep moisture out of it. Perhaps you aren’t sure how to eliminate moisture from your hearing aid. In most cases, you can wipe it down and let it air dry in a warm spot.
- Try not to get your hearing aids 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 use hearing aids when it’s snowing or raining”? Yes, you can. Although most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are typically water resistant. 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.
So, if you’re wondering: how can I protect my hearing aids in the winter? Well, now you have some answers.
What should you do if your hearing aids quit working?
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 (for instance, 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 determine the cause of the problem and the best way to fix it.
Don’t let cold weather keep you from enjoying life!
There are plenty of reasons why you might want to stay indoors when it’s -10 degrees outside. Maybe you don’t like the cold. Perhaps a delicious hot bowl of soup would do the trick. Maybe you’re not 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 especially true. Give us a call if you have any concerns about how your hearing aids might be effected by the cold.