In contrast to popular belief, winter is fun! Okay, it can certainly be a bummer if you have to get anywhere. Or if you’re not properly prepared. But there are plenty of fun things to do in those chillier winter months.
Don’t believe it? Well, here are only a few instances of how cold weather can be enjoyable: you could go sledding or skiing. You could have some fun on a snowmobile! Or you could grab 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 that’s an important caveat: you need the correct gear to remain comfortable. Perhaps you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be impacted by the cold. Will the cold damage my hearing aids?
Most hearing aids are manufactured 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 grocery store, out for a hike, or just 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 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. The safe temperature range for most hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. There are some places that will sometimes get colder than -13 but usually, that covers the broad spectrum of temperatures.
You will be capable of hearing well in the majority of environments and that’s a great thing. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s really cold? Well, drops in temperature will put strain on your devices, so while they may operate, they might not work at their best.
Tips for hearing aids in the winter
You can keep your hearing aids functioning at close to maximum efficiency if you take a few measures.
- 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 someplace 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 eliminate moisture from my hearing aids”? In most instances, you can dry it off and then put it somewhere dry and warm.
- Try wearing 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 optimally they’ll be working. Maybe you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still work if you have earmuffs over them. Well, it depends on the hearing aid, but in most cases, your hearing aids will still keep working.
- Use accessories to keep your hearing aids strapped to your ears: There are all kinds of straps and clips you can make use of to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. If you’re participating in any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is especially relevant.
- Make sure you have freshly charged batteries: Hearing aid batteries don’t generally freeze but they will die faster in the cold. This means you’ll want to make certain you have a full charge before going out into any inclement weather.
- 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 wondering whether you can use your hearing aids in the rain or snow, the answer is yes. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not usually waterproof. So while your hearing aid will most likely be fine if it gets a bit wet, you should dry it as soon as you can.
Maybe you’re wondering how to protect your hearing aids when it gets cold. That’s precisely what we’re going to explore.
If your hearing aid quits working, what should you do?
Of course, even in the best possible weather conditions, your hearing aid may occasionally quit working. There are a few basic troubleshooting measures you can take (for instance, ensure the batteries are charged and that your devices are good and dry). But if those steps don’t help, we should be able to help you identify the cause of the issue and the best way to fix it.
Don’t let cold weather keep you from enjoying life!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s reasonable that you would want to stay inside. Maybe you’re not a winter person. Maybe you’re going to make yourself some yummy warm soup. Possibly snowmobiles aren’t your jam. What’s essential here is not to let problems with your hearing aid impact your quality of life, even when it’s winter.
That’s particularly true if you take care of your devices, and observe the guidelines outlined above. If you have any questions about how cold weather may impact the performance of your hearing aids, call us today!