Lots of individuals really love winter! Alright, it can certainly be a bummer if you need to get anywhere. Or if you aren’t properly prepared. But during those chilly 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. With the proper gear, winter can be just as much of an outdoor season as spring, summer, or autumn (and the hot cocoa is so much more satisfying when you’ve been outside in the cold).
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 impact my hearing aids? Or can cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be fine in any weather
Hearing aids are made to be used every day. They’re built so you can wear them to the supermarket, out on a hike, or simply around the house. Which means that hearing aid makers are aware that these devices may take a pounding. But just because hearing aids are meant to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything extreme with them.
The majority of hearing aids are manufactured 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. There are some places that will sometimes go below -13 but otherwise, that covers the broad range of temperatures.
You will be capable of hearing well in most settings and that’s a great 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 might function, they may not operate at their best.
Tips for hearing aids in the winter
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help make sure your hearing aids continue to function at peak efficiency (or close enough) even in cold weather.
- Try not to get your hearing aids wet: Be careful not to get snow on your hearing aid because when snow melts, things get wet. 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 typically water resistant. So while your hearing aid will probably be okay if it gets a little wet, you should dry it as soon as possible.
- When you’re not using your hearing aids, keep them in a dry and warm place: This will help stop moisture from causing problems with your hearing aids. You’re probably asking: “How do I remove moisture from my hearing aids”? Usually, you can wipe it down and let it air dry in a warm spot.
- Check your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Do hearing aid batteries freeze? Well, not really. But cold weather can drain your batteries faster than warm weather. So before you go out in the cold, be sure your battery is fully charged.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits correctly: 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 making use of accessories.: In order to be sure your hearing aids stay securely in place in your ears you can utilize one of many available straps or clips. If you’re participating in any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is specifically true.
- It helps to wear earmuffs or a hat: Not only will this keep your ears cozy, it’ll keep your hearing aids toasty, as well! And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more ideally they’ll be functioning. Your next question may 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.
Perhaps you’re wondering how to protect your hearing aids when it gets cold. That’s exactly what we’re going to find out.
What should you do if your hearing aids stop working?
Of course, even in the optimal weather conditions, your hearing aid may occasionally stop working. There are a few straightforward troubleshooting measures you can take (be sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for instance). If you still can’t figure out why they aren’t working, we should be able to assist you with that.
Don’t let cold weather keep you from enjoying life!
There are lots of reasons why you might want to stay inside when it’s -10 degrees outside. Perhaps you don’t enjoy the cold. Perhaps a nice hot bowl of soup would hit the spot. Possibly snowmobiles aren’t your jam. What’s important here is not to let problems with your hearing aid diminish your quality of life, even during the winter.
That’s particularly 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!