Contrary to popular belief, winter is fun! Well, if you have 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 lots of enjoyable things to do.
Still not convinced? Sledding and skiing aren’t the only fun things you can do in the winter. You could take a snowmobile ride. You could head 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 an important caveat: you need the right 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 made to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are manufactured to be worn every day. They’re built so you can wear them to the grocery store, out on a hike, or just around the house. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers are aware that these devices may take a beating. We don’t suggest you do anything drastic with your hearing aids, just keep in mind that they’re manufactured to go along with you throughout your normal daily activities.
Consequently, 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. There are some places that will sometimes go below -13 but otherwise, that covers the broad spectrum of temperatures.
You will be capable of hearing well in the majority of settings 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 stress on your devices, so while they may work, they may not work optimally.
Tips for hearing aids in the winter
You can keep your hearing aids operating at close to peak efficiency if you take a few measures.
- Getting your hearing aid 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 rain or snow, the answer is yes. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not necessarily 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.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits correctly: Hearing aids can sometimes be uncomfortable when they’re cold. Talk to us about the fit of your devices in order to give yourself the chance to minimize discomfort.
- Utilize accessories to keep your hearing aids secured to your ears: There are all manner of straps and clips you can make use of to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. This can be especially significant if you’re engaged in strenuous activity, such as skiing, skating, or sledding.
- It helps to wear a hat or earmuffs: Wearing earmuffs or a hat will keep both your ears and your hearing aid toasty. 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 affecting my hearing? Well, it depends on the hearing aid, but in most cases, your hearing aids will still keep working.
- Check your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Hearing aid batteries don’t necessarily freeze but they will drain quicker in the cold. So before you go out in the cold, make sure your battery is fully charged.
- Keep your hearing aids someplace warm and dry when you aren’t wearing them: This will help stop moisture from causing problems with your hearing aids. You’re probably asking: “How do I eliminate moisture from my hearing aids”? Normally, you can wipe it down and let it air dry in a warm spot.
So, if you’re wondering: how do I safeguard my hearing aids in the winter? Well, now you’ve got some answers.
What should you do if your hearing aids quit working?
Of course, even in the optimal weather conditions, your hearing aid might occasionally stop working. There are a few practical troubleshooting measures you can take (for example, make sure 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 identify 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 enjoy the cold. Maybe you’re going to make yourself some nice hot soup. Possibly snowmobiles aren’t your jam. What’s important here is not to let problems with your hearing aid impact your quality of life, even when it’s winter.
If you follow the guidelines above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is particularly true. If you have any questions about how cold weather might impact the performance of your hearing aids, call us today!