Lots of individuals really love winter! Okay, it can definitely be a bummer if you need to get 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.
Still not convinced? Skiing and sledding aren’t the only fun things you can do in the winter. You could take a snowmobile ride. Or you could get a pair of ice skates and spend a little 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 correct gear.
But the secret here is having the right gear. You may be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold weather affect my hearing aids? Or will cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Most hearing aids are manufactured to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are designed to be worn every day. They’re constructed so you can wear them to the supermarket, out for a hike, or simply around the house. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers are aware 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 extreme with them.
Most hearing aids are manufactured to be basically “all weather” as a result. Most hearing aids can work quite nicely between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. There are some spots that will sometimes get colder than -13 but otherwise, that covers the broad spectrum of temperatures.
Which is a good thing! It means you’ll be able to hear in most settings. 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 strain on your devices, so while they might operate, they may not work at their best.
Some winter hearing aid tips
You can keep your hearing aids working at near peak efficiency if you take a few measures.
- 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 going to ask, “Well, can I use hearing aids when it’s snowing or raining”? Yes, you can. Even though most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are typically water resistant. So while your hearing aid will most likely be okay if it gets a bit wet, you should dry it as soon as possible.
- Make use of accessories to keep your hearing aids secured to your ears: There are all manner 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 especially true.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits properly: Hearing aids can sometimes be uncomfortable when they’re cold. Minimize any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- Keep your hearing aids someplace warm and dry when you aren’t using them: This will help stop moisture from causing problems with your hearing aids. You’re most likely asking: “How do I eliminate moisture from my hearing aids”? In the majority of cases, you can dry it off and then leave it someplace warm and dry.
- It’s helpful to wear a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears cozy, it’ll keep your hearing aids toasty, too! And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more optimally they’ll be functioning. Your next question might be: can I wear ear muffs over my hearing aid without impacting my hearing? Well, it depends on the hearing aid, but in most cases, your hearing aids will still continue to work.
- Check 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, make sure your battery is completely charged.
So, if you’re wondering: how can I safeguard my hearing aids in the winter? Well, now you have some answers.
What should you do if your hearing aids quit working?
Of course, even in the best weather conditions, your hearing aid might occasionally quit working. There are a few standard troubleshooting steps you can take (be sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for example). But if those steps aren’t helpful, we should be able to help you diagnose 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 inside. Perhaps you don’t like the cold. Maybe a nice warm bowl of soup would do the trick. Maybe you aren’t a big fan of snowmobiles. The important thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are stopping you from living your best winter life.
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 may impact the performance of your hearing aids, call us today!