In contrast to popular belief, winter is fun! Well, if you need to go somewhere, it can certainly be a challenge. Or if you don’t have the correct gear (or proper infrastructure). But during those chilly winter months, you can find plenty of fun things to do.
Don’t believe it? Sledding and skiing aren’t the only enjoyable things you can do in the winter. You could go for a snowmobile ride. You could go out onto the ice for some ice skating or ice fishing. You can enjoy being outside in the winter just as much as the summer, spring, or, autumn if you have the right gear.
But that’s a significant caveat: you need the proper gear to stay comfortable. Perhaps you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be effected by the cold. Will the cold damage my hearing aids?
Most hearing aids are designed to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are manufactured to be used every day. They’re meant to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers are aware that these devices might take a pounding. We don’t recommend you do anything extreme with your hearing aids, just keep in mind that they’re manufactured to go along with you throughout your normal daily activities.
The majority of hearing aids are built to be basically “all weather” as a result. Most hearing aids can function quite well between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. There are some places that will sometimes go below -13 but otherwise, that covers the broad spectrum of temperatures.
You will be able to hear well in the majority of settings and that’s a wonderful thing. Now, you may be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids function as well in the cold? Hearing aids will work in the cold, just maybe not as well.
Some winter hearing aid tips
You can keep your hearing aids operating at close to peak efficiency if you take a few steps.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits correctly: Hearing aids can sometimes become uncomfortable when they’re cold. Minimize any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- 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 use 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 fine if it gets a bit wet, you should dry it as soon as you can.
- Be certain you have freshly charged batteries: Can 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.
- Make use of accessories to keep your hearing aids strapped to your ears: In order to be sure your hearing aids remain 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 particularly true.
- It helps to wear a hat or earmuffs: Wearing a hat or earmuffs will keep both your ears and your hearing aid warm. And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more ideally 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.
- Keep your hearing aids someplace warm and dry when you aren’t wearing them: This will help prevent moisture from causing problems with your hearing aids. You’re probably asking: “How do I eliminate moisture from my hearing aids”? Usually, you can wipe it down and allow it to air dry in a warm spot.
So, if you’re wondering: how can I safeguard my hearing aids in the winter? That’s exactly what we’re going to explore.
What should you do if your hearing aids stop working?
Sometimes, unfortunately, your hearing aid will quit working even when the weather is warm and dry. There are a few practical troubleshooting measures you can take (for instance, ensure 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.
You can still enjoy life even in the cold!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s reasonable that you would want to stay indoors. Maybe you aren’t a winter person. Maybe you’re going to make yourself some nice hot soup. Perhaps you’re not a big fan of snowmobiles. The important thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are stopping you from living your greatest winter life.
That’s particularly true if you take care of your devices, and follow the tips outlined above. If you have any questions about how cold weather might effect the performance of your hearing aids, call us today!
