Lots of people really enjoy winter! Alright, it can definitely be a bummer if you have to get anywhere. Or if you don’t have the proper gear (or proper infrastructure). But there are plenty of fun things to do in those chillier winter months.
Still not convinced? Skiing and sledding aren’t the only enjoyable things you can do in the winter. You could go for 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, fall if you have the correct gear.
But that’s a major caveat: you need the correct gear to stay comfortable. Perhaps you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be impacted by the cold. Can the cold damage my hearing aids?
Most hearing aids are made to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are made to be worn every day. They’re built so you can wear them to the supermarket, out for a hike, or simply around the house. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers understand that these devices might take a pounding. We don’t recommend you do anything drastic with your hearing aids, just remember that they’re manufactured to accompany you throughout your normal daily tasks.
As a result, most hearing aids are made to be somewhat “all-weather”. The safe temperature range for most hearing aids is from -13 to 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).
You will be able to hear 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 might work, they might not work optimally.
Some winter hearing aid tips
Fortunately, there are certain things you can do to help ensure your hearing aids continue to work at maximum efficiency (or close enough) even in cold weather.
- Speak with us about the fit of your hearing aids: Hearing aids can sometimes be uncomfortable when they’re cold. Speak with us about the fit of your devices in order to give yourself the chance to lessen discomfort.
- Monitor your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Do hearing aid batteries freeze? Well, not really. But cold weather can drain your batteries faster than warm weather. This means you’ll want to be certain you have a full charge before going out into any severe weather.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by utilizing 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 doing any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is especially relevant.
- Getting your hearing aid wet isn’t a smart idea: Be cautious 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. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not necessarily waterproof. This means your hearing aid can most likely get a bit wet, but it’s not a great idea to leave it that way longer than you have to.
- It helps to wear a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears cozy, it’ll keep your hearing aids toasty, as well! And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more ideally they’ll be working. Perhaps you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still work if you have earmuffs over them. Most hearing aids will continue to work just fine with earmuffs on.
- Keep your hearing aids someplace warm and dry when you aren’t wearing them: Your hearing aid will work better and with fewer issues if you keep moisture out of it. You’re most likely asking: “How do I remove moisture from my hearing aids”? Usually, 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? That’s precisely what we’re going to explore.
If your hearing aid quits working, what should you do?
Of course, even in the best possible weather conditions, your hearing aid may occasionally stop working. You can take a few basic steps to troubleshoot your device (make sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for example). But if those steps don’t help, we should be able to help you determine the cause of the problem and the best way to fix it.
Don’t let cold weather stop you from enjoying life!
There are a lot of reasons why you may want to stay indoors when it’s -10 degrees outside. Perhaps you don’t like the cold. Maybe you’re going to cook yourself some yummy warm soup. Maybe snowmobiles aren’t your jam. What’s essential here is not to let issues with your hearing aid diminish your quality of life, even when it’s winter.
That’s especially true if you take care of your devices, and observe the tips outlined above. If you have any questions about how cold weather could impact the performance of your hearing aids, call us today!