Lots of individuals really love winter! Well, if you have to go somewhere, it can definitely be difficult. Or if you’re not properly prepared. But there are lots 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 fun: you could go skiing or sledding. You could have a good time 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 outdoors in the winter just as much as the summer, spring, or, fall if you have the proper gear.
But the secret here is using the right gear. You may be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold air impact my hearing aids? Can the cold damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be fine in any weather
Hearing aids are designed to be worn on a daily basis. They’re constructed so you can wear them to the supermarket, out on a hike, or just around the house. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers understand 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 drastic with them.
As a result, most hearing aids are designed to be somewhat “all-weather”. The safe temperature range for most hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad spectrum of temperature possibilities (although there are some places, especially up north, that will sometimes get colder than -13 degrees).
Which is a good thing! It means you’ll be capable of hearing in most settings. 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 might not work optimally.
Tips for hearing aids in the winter
You can keep your hearing aids operating at near peak efficiency if you take a few measures.
- Make sure you have freshly charged batteries: Hearing aid batteries don’t generally freeze but they will drain quicker in the cold. So before you go out in the cold, be sure your battery is fully charged.
- Utilize 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 relevant.
- Keep your hearing aids somewhere warm and dry when you aren’t using them: Your hearing aid will work better and with fewer issues if you keep moisture out of it. Perhaps you aren’t sure how to remove moisture from your hearing aid. In the majority of cases, you can dry it off and then leave it someplace dry and warm.
- Try donning a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears cozy, it’ll keep your hearing aids warm, too! And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more ideally they’ll be functioning. Perhaps 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.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits properly: At times, when they get really cold, hearing aids can be uncomfortable. Speak with us about the fit of your devices in order to give yourself the chance to decrease discomfort.
- Try not to let your hearing aid 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 snow and rain, the answer is yes. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not usually waterproof. 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? That’s exactly what we’re going to explore.
If your hearing aid quits working, what should you do?
Occasionally, unfortunately, your hearing aid will stop working even when the weather is warm and dry. You can take a few basic steps to troubleshoot your device (be sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for example). If you still can’t figure out why they aren’t working, we should be able to help you with that.
You can still enjoy life even in the cold!
There are lots of reasons why you might want to stay indoors when it’s -10 degrees outside. Maybe you’re not a winter person. Maybe you’re going to cook yourself some nice warm soup. Perhaps you aren’t a big fan of snowmobiles. The essential 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 follow the tips outlined above. If you have any questions about how cold weather may impact the performance of your hearing aids, talk to us today!