Lots of individuals really love winter! Okay, it can definitely be a bummer if you need to go somewhere. Or if you’re not properly prepared. But there are plenty of fun things to do in those chillier winter months.
Still not convinced? Well, here are just a few examples of how cold weather can be enjoyable: you could go skiing or sledding. You could have some fun on a snowmobile! Or you could get 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, autumn if you have the proper gear.
But that’s an important caveat: you need the proper gear to remain comfortable. You might be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold weather impact my hearing aids? Will the cold damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be okay in any weather
Hearing aids are made to be worn on a daily basis. They’re meant to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. The manufacturers of these devices are well aware that they need to have a robust construction. But just because hearing aids are meant to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything extreme with them.
As a result, most hearing aids are manufactured to be somewhat “all-weather”. Most hearing aids can work quite well between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. There are some places that will sometimes get colder than -13 but usually, that covers the broad spectrum of temperatures.
Which is a good thing! It means you’ll be able to hear in most settings. Now, you may be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids work as well in the cold? Hearing aids will work in the cold, just maybe not as well.
Guidelines for hearing aids in the winter
Fortunately, there are certain things you can do to help make sure your hearing aids continue to function at maximum efficiency (or near enough) even in cold weather.
- Consult us about the fit of your hearing aids: At times, when they get really cold, hearing aids can become uncomfortable. Speak with us about the fit of your devices to give yourself the chance to decrease discomfort.
- Monitor your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Can hearing aid batteries freeze? Well, not really. But cold weather can drain your batteries faster than warm weather. This means you’ll want to make certain you have a full charge before going out into any inclement weather.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by making use of accessories.: 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 specifically relevant.
- Try donning 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 functioning. Your next question may 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.
- Letting your hearing aids get wet isn’t a smart idea: Be careful not to get snow on your hearing aid because when snow melts, things get wet. If you’re going to ask, “Well, can I wear hearing aids when it’s raining or snowing”? Yes, you can. Although most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are normally water resistant. So while your hearing aid will probably be okay if it gets a bit wet, you should dry it as soon as possible.
- Keep your hearing aids somewhere 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 remove moisture from my hearing aids”? In the majority of cases, you can dry it off and then leave it somewhere dry and warm.
So, if you’re wondering: how do I protect my hearing aids in the winter? That’s exactly what we’re going to explore.
What should you do if your hearing aids quit working?
Sometimes, unfortunately, your hearing aid will quit working even when the weather is warm and dry. You can take a few basic measures to troubleshoot your device (for instance, make sure the batteries are charged and that your devices are good and dry). But if those steps aren’t helpful, we should be able to help you identify the cause of the issue and the best way to fix it.
You can still enjoy life even when it’s cold!
There are a lot of reasons why you might want to stay indoors when it’s -10 degrees outside. Perhaps you’re not a winter person. Maybe you’re going to make yourself some nice hot soup. Perhaps you’re not a big fan of snowmobiles. The essential thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are stopping you from living your greatest winter life.
If you follow the tips above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is particularly true. Call us if you have any questions about how your hearing aids may be impacted by the cold.