Lots of individuals really enjoy winter! Alright, it can certainly be a bummer if you need to go anywhere. Or if you aren’t properly prepared. But there are plenty of fun things to do in those colder winter months.
Still not convinced? Skiing and sledding aren’t the only enjoyable things you can do in the winter. You could take a snowmobile ride. You could head out onto the ice for some ice skating or ice fishing. You can enjoy being outdoors in the winter just as much as the summer, spring, or, fall if you have the proper gear.
But the key here is having the appropriate gear. You may be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold air impact my hearing aids? Will the cold damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be fine in any weather
Hearing aids are meant to be used full-time. They’re built so you can wear them to the supermarket, out for a hike, or just around the house. The manufacturers of these devices are well aware that they need to have a resilient construction. We don’t suggest you do anything drastic with your hearing aids, just remember that they’re designed to accompany you throughout your normal daily tasks.
Consequently, 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 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 the majority of environments and that’s a great thing. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s really cold? Hearing aids will function in the cold, just perhaps not as well.
Tips for hearing aids in the winter
Luckily, there are certain things you can do to help make sure your hearing aids continue to function at maximum efficiency (or near enough) even in cold weather.
- When you aren’t wearing your hearing aids, keep them in a dry and warm place: This will help stop moisture from causing problems with your hearing aids. You’re probably asking: “How do I remove moisture from my hearing aids”? Usually, you can wipe it down and allow it to air dry in a warm spot.
- Monitor your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Can hearing aid batteries freeze? Well, not really. But cold weather can kill your batteries faster than warm weather. This means you’ll want to make sure you have a full charge before going out into any severe weather.
- Use accessories to keep your hearing aids strapped to your ears: In order to be sure your hearing aids stay securely in place in your ears you can make use of one of many available clips or straps. If you’re doing any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is specifically relevant.
- It helps to wear earmuffs or a hat: Not only will this keep your ears warm, it’ll keep your hearing aids toasty, also! And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more ideally they’ll be functioning. Maybe you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still function if you have earmuffs over them. Most hearing aids will continue to work just fine with earmuffs on.
- 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 raining or snowing”? Yes, you can. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not necessarily waterproof. So while your hearing aid will probably be fine if it gets a bit wet, you should dry it as soon as you can.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits properly: Hearing aids can sometimes become uncomfortable when they’re cold. Speak with us about the fit of your devices in order to give yourself the opportunity to lessen discomfort.
Perhaps you’re wondering how to protect your hearing aids when it gets cold. That’s exactly what we’re going to explore.
What should you do if your hearing aids quit working?
Sometimes, unfortunately, your hearing aid will stop working even when the weather is warm and dry. There are a few standard troubleshooting steps you can take (for instance, make sure the batteries are charged and that your devices are nice and dry). But if those steps don’t help, 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 in the cold!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s reasonable that you would want to stay indoors. Maybe you don’t like the cold. Possibly you’re going to cook yourself some nice hot soup. Maybe you aren’t a big fan of snowmobiles. What’s important here is not to let issues with your hearing aid impact 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 could effect the performance of your hearing aids, talk to us today!