Contrary to popular opinion, winter is fun! Well, if you need to go somewhere, it can certainly be a challenge. Or if you don’t have the correct gear (or proper infrastructure). But there are plenty of fun things to do in those chillier winter months.
Don’t believe us? Well, here are only a few examples of how cold weather can be enjoyable: 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 some 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 correct gear.
But that’s a major caveat: you need the correct gear to stay comfortable. Maybe you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be effected by the cold. Or will cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Most hearing aids are designed to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are manufactured to be worn every day. They’re made to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. The manufacturers of these devices understand that they need to have a resilient construction. We don’t suggest you do anything extreme with your hearing aids, just remember that they’re made to go along with you throughout your normal daily activities.
The majority of hearing aids are designed to be basically “all weather” as a result. Most hearing aids can operate quite well between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. There are some places that will sometimes get colder than -13 but otherwise, that covers the broad spectrum of temperatures.
Which is a good thing! It means you’ll be capable of hearing in most environments. Now, you might be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids function as well in the winter? Hearing aids will function in the cold, just perhaps not as well.
Tips for hearing aids in the winter
You can keep your hearing aids working at near peak efficiency if you take a few steps.
- Try to dawn a hat or earmuffs: Wearing a hat or earmuffs will keep both your ears and your hearing aid warm. And your hearing aids will function at their best level if they’re warm. 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 continue to work.
- Check your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Hearing aid batteries don’t necessarily freeze but they will drain faster in the cold. So before you go out in the cold, make sure your battery is completely charged.
- Try not to let your hearing aid wet: Be cautious not to get snow on your hearing aid because when snow melts, things get wet. If you’re wondering whether you can use your hearing aids in the snow and rain, the answer is yes. Though most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are typically water resistant. So while your hearing aid will most likely be okay if it gets a bit wet, you should dry it as soon as possible.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by making use of accessories.: There are all manner of straps and clips you can use to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. If you’re doing any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is specifically true.
- 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. Perhaps you aren’t certain how to eliminate moisture from your hearing aid. In the majority of situations, you can dry it off and then put it someplace dry and warm.
- Speak with us about how your hearing aids are fitting: Hearing aids can sometimes become uncomfortable when they’re cold. Reduce any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
Perhaps you’re wondering how to protect your hearing aids when it gets cold. Well, now you’ve got some answers.
If your hearing aid quits working, what should you do?
Sometimes, 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 (for instance, 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 diagnose the cause of the problem and the best way to fix it.
Don’t let cold weather stop you from enjoying life!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s reasonable that you would want to stay inside. Maybe you aren’t a winter person. Possibly you’re going to make yourself some yummy warm soup. Perhaps you’re not a big fan of snowmobiles. The important thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are stopping you from living your greatest winter life.
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 could impact the performance of your hearing aids, call us today!
