Lots of individuals really enjoy winter! Okay, it can certainly be a bummer if you have to go anywhere. Or if you don’t have the correct gear (or proper infrastructure). But during those chilly winter months, you can find lots of enjoyable things to do.
Still not convinced? Skiing and sledding aren’t the only enjoyable things you can do in the winter. You could take a snowmobile ride. You could go out onto the ice for some ice skating or ice fishing. With the correct 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 outdoors in the cold).
But the key here is having 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? Can the cold damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be okay in any weather
Hearing aids are meant to be used full-time. They’re constructed so you can wear them to the grocery store, out on a hike, or simply around the house. The manufacturers of these devices understand that they need to have a robust construction. 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 tasks.
The majority of 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. That covers the broad spectrum of temperature possibilities (though there are some places, particularly 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 environments. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s really cold? Hearing aids will function in the cold, just maybe not as well.
Guidelines for hearing aids in the winter
You can keep your hearing aids operating at near maximum efficiency if you take a few measures.
- When you’re not using your hearing aids, store them in a dry and warm spot: Your hearing aid will function better and with fewer problems if you keep moisture out of it. You’re probably asking: “How do I remove moisture from my hearing aids”? Normally, you can wipe it down and allow it to air dry in a warm spot.
- 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. This can be particularly relevant if you’re engaged in strenuous activity, such as skiing, skating, or sledding.
- Make sure you have freshly charged batteries: Hearing aid batteries don’t generally freeze but they will die faster in the cold. So before you go out in the cold, make sure your battery is fully charged.
- Try wearing a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears warm, it’ll keep your hearing aids toasty, also! And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more optimally they’ll be working. 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.
- Letting your hearing aids get wet isn’t a good idea: 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. So while your hearing aid will probably be okay if it gets a bit wet, you should dry it as soon as possible.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits correctly: Hearing aids can sometimes be uncomfortable when they’re cold. Decrease any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
So, if you’re wondering: how can I protect my hearing aids in the winter? That’s precisely what we’re going to find out.
If your hearing aid stops working, what should you do?
Of course, even in the best possible weather conditions, your hearing aid may occasionally stop working. There are a few straightforward troubleshooting steps you can take (make 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 determine the cause of the issue and the best way to fix it.
Don’t let cold weather keep you from enjoying life!
There are lots of reasons why you might want to stay indoors when it’s -10 degrees outside. Maybe you don’t like the cold. Possibly you’re going to cook yourself some yummy hot soup. Possibly snowmobiles aren’t your jam. The important thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are preventing you from living your greatest winter life.
If you follow the tips above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is especially true. Give us a call if you have any concerns about how your hearing aids might be effected by the cold.