Lots of individuals really love winter! Well, if you need to go somewhere, it can definitely be a challenge. Or if you don’t have the proper gear (or proper infrastructure). But there are lots of fun things to do in those chillier winter months.
Don’t believe us? Sledding and skiing aren’t the only enjoyable things you can do in the winter. You could have a good time on a snowmobile! Or you could get 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, fall if you have the right gear.
But the secret here is using the right gear. Perhaps you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be effected by the cold. Or can cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Most hearing aids are manufactured to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are manufactured to be used every day. They’re constructed so you can wear them to the grocery store, out on a hike, or simply around the house. The manufacturers of these devices understand that they need to have a resilient construction. But just because hearing aids are designed to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything extreme with them.
Consequently, most hearing aids are manufactured to be somewhat “all-weather”. The safe temperature range for most hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad range of temperature possibilities (although there are some places, particularly up north, that will sometimes get colder than -13 degrees).
You will be capable of hearing well in most environments and that’s a great thing. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s very cold? Hearing aids will work in the cold, just maybe not as well.
Guidelines for hearing aids in the winter
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help ensure your hearing aids continue to work at peak efficiency (or near enough) even in cold weather.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits properly: Hearing aids can sometimes be uncomfortable when they’re cold. Talk to us about the fit of your devices to give yourself the opportunity to lessen discomfort.
- It’s helpful to wear a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears warm, it’ll keep your hearing aids toasty, too! And your hearing aids will function at their best level if they’re warm. Your next question might be: can I wear ear muffs over my hearing aid without impacting my hearing? Well, it depends on the hearing aid, but in most cases, your hearing aids will still continue to work.
- Getting your hearing aid wet isn’t a smart idea: When snow melts, it becomes water, so be careful about exposing your hearing aids to snow. If you’re going to ask, “Well, can I wear hearing aids when it’s snowing or raining”? Yes, you can. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not usually waterproof. This means your hearing aid can most likely get a little wet, but it’s not a great idea to leave it that way longer than necessary.
- Be certain you have freshly charged batteries: Hearing aid batteries don’t necessarily freeze but they will drain quicker in the cold. So before you go out in the cold, be sure your battery is completely charged.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by utilizing accessories.: In order to make sure your hearing aids remain securely in place in your ears you can utilize one of many available straps or clips. This can be especially important if you’re involved in strenuous activity, including skiing, skating, or sledding.
- Keep your hearing aids someplace warm and dry when you aren’t using them: Your hearing aid will work better and with fewer problems if you keep moisture out of it. You’re probably asking: “How do I remove moisture from my hearing aids”? In most instances, you can dry it off and then leave it someplace warm and dry.
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?
Occasionally, 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 example, ensure the batteries are charged and that your devices are nice and dry). If you still aren’t able to figure out why they’re not working, we should be able to assist you with that.
Don’t let cold weather keep 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. Perhaps a nice warm bowl of soup would hit the spot. Maybe you aren’t a big fan of snowmobiles. What’s important here is not to let problems with your hearing aid impact 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, call us today!
