In contrast to popular belief, winter is fun! Well, if you need to go somewhere, it can definitely be a challenge. Or if you don’t have the correct gear (or proper infrastructure). But there are lots 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 fun: you could go sledding or skiing. You could have a good time on a snowmobile! 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 right gear.
But that’s a significant caveat: you need the right gear to stay comfortable. You may be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold weather affect my hearing aids? Will the cold damage my hearing aids?
Most hearing aids are designed to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are manufactured to be used every day. They’re designed to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers are aware that these devices might take a pounding. But just because hearing aids are meant to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything drastic with them.
The majority of hearing aids are manufactured to be basically “all weather” as a result. Most hearing aids can function quite well between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad range of temperature possibilities (even though there are some places, particularly up north, that will sometimes get colder than -13 degrees).
You will be able to hear well in most environments and that’s a wonderful thing. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s really cold? Well, drops in temperature will put strain on your devices, so while they may function, they may not operate optimally.
Tips for hearing aids in the winter
Fortunately, there are certain things you can do to help make sure your hearing aids continue to work at peak efficiency (or near enough) even in cold weather.
- Try to dawn a hat or earmuffs: Wearing earmuffs or a hat will keep both your ears and your hearing aid warm. And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more optimally they’ll be functioning. Maybe you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still work if you have earmuffs over them. Well, it depends on the hearing aid, but in most cases, your hearing aids will still keep working.
- When you’re not using your hearing aids, store them in a dry and warm place: Your hearing aid will function better and with fewer problems if you keep moisture out of it. Maybe you aren’t certain how to eliminate moisture from your hearing aid. In most cases, you can wipe it down and allow it to air dry in a warm spot.
- Be certain you have freshly charged batteries: 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 clips or straps. This can be especially relevant if you’re engaged in strenuous activity, including skiing, skating, or sledding.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits correctly: Sometimes, when they get really cold, hearing aids can be uncomfortable. Reduce any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- Try not to let your hearing aid wet: When snow melts, it’s wet, so be cautious about exposing your hearing aids to snow. If you’re wondering whether you can wear your hearing aids in the snow and rain, the answer is yes. Though most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are usually water resistant. This means your hearing aid can most likely get a little wet, but it’s not a very good idea to leave it that way longer than you have to.
So, if you’re wondering: how can I safeguard my hearing aids in the winter? That’s precisely what we’re going to explore.
If your hearing aid stops working, what should you do?
Of course, even in the best possible weather conditions, your hearing aid might occasionally stop working. There are a few practical troubleshooting measures you can take (for instance, make sure the batteries are charged and that your devices are nice and dry). If you still aren’t able to figure out why they aren’t working, we should be able to help you with that.
Don’t let cold weather stop you from enjoying life!
There are plenty of reasons why you may want to stay indoors when it’s -10 degrees outside. Perhaps you don’t like the cold. Perhaps a delicious hot bowl of soup would hit the spot. Possibly snowmobiles aren’t your jam. What’s important here is not to let problems with your hearing aid diminish your quality of life, even during the winter.
That’s especially true if you take care of your devices, and observe the guidelines outlined above. If you have any questions about how cold weather might effect the performance of your hearing aids, talk to us today!