In contrast to popular opinion, winter is fun! Well, if you need to go somewhere, it can definitely be a challenge. Or if you aren’t properly prepared. But there are lots of fun things to do in those chillier winter months.
Don’t believe us? Skiing and sledding aren’t the only fun things you can do in the winter. You could have a good time on a snowmobile! You could head 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 fall (and the hot cocoa is so much more rewarding when you’ve been outdoors in the cold).
But the key here is having 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? Or can cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be okay in any weather
Hearing aids are made to be used full-time. They’re constructed so you can wear them to the grocery store, out on a hike, or just around the house. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers understand that these devices may take a pounding. We don’t suggest you do anything extreme with your hearing aids, just remember that they’re designed to accompany 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 operate quite nicely between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad spectrum of temperature possibilities (even though 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 able to hear in most environments. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s really cold? Hearing aids will work in the cold, just maybe not as well.
Guidelines for hearing aids in the winter
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help ensure your hearing aids continue to function at maximum efficiency (or near enough) even in cold weather.
- Use accessories to keep your hearing aids secured to your ears: In order to make sure your hearing aids remain securely in place in your ears you can make use of one of many available straps or clips. If you’re participating in any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is particularly relevant.
- We can help ensure your hearing aid fits properly: Hearing aids can sometimes become uncomfortable when they’re cold. Decrease any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- Keep your hearing aids somewhere warm and dry when you aren’t using them: This will help stop moisture from causing problems with your hearing aids. You’re most likely asking: “How do I remove moisture from my hearing aids”? In the majority of situations, you can dry it off and then leave it somewhere dry and warm.
- Monitor your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): 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 completely charged.
- Try wearing a hat or earmuffs: Wearing earmuffs or a hat will keep both your ears and your hearing aid warm. And your hearing aids will operate at their maximum level if they are warm. Maybe you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still function if you have earmuffs over them. Well, it depends on the hearing aid, but in most cases, your hearing aids will still keep working.
- Try not to let your hearing aid wet: When snow melts, it becomes water, so be mindful about exposing your hearing aids to snow. If you’re going to ask, “Well, can I use hearing aids when it’s snowing or raining”? Yes, you can. Though most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are typically water resistant. This means your hearing aid can probably get a bit wet, but it’s not a very good idea to leave it that way longer than necessary.
Maybe you’re wondering how to safeguard your hearing aids when it gets cold. That’s exactly what we’re going to explore.
What should you do if your hearing aids stop working?
Occasionally, unfortunately, your hearing aid will quit working even when the weather is warm and dry. There are a few basic troubleshooting steps 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 diagnose the cause of the issue 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 indoors. Maybe you aren’t a winter person. Perhaps a nice warm bowl of soup would do the trick. Perhaps you aren’t a big fan of snowmobiles. What’s essential here is not to let problems with your hearing aid diminish your quality of life, even when it’s winter.
If you observe the tips above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is especially true. If you have any questions about how cold weather may effect the performance of your hearing aids, talk to us today!