In contrast to popular opinion, winter is fun! Well, if you have to go somewhere, it can certainly be a challenge. 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? Well, here are just a few instances of how cold weather can be enjoyable: you could go sledding or skiing. You could take a snowmobile ride. 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, autumn if you have the right gear.
But the secret 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? Can 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 meant to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. The makers 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 manufactured to accompany you throughout your normal daily tasks.
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 spectrum of temperature possibilities (though there are some places, particularly up north, that will sometimes get colder than -13 degrees).
You will be able to hear well in the majority of environments and that’s a wonderful thing. Now, you may be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids function as well in the cold? Well, drops in temperature will put stress on your devices, so while they may function, they may not operate at their best.
Tips for hearing aids in the winter
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help make sure your hearing aids continue to function at peak efficiency (or near enough) even in cold weather.
- When you aren’t wearing your hearing aids, store them in a dry and warm spot: This will help prevent moisture from causing problems with your hearing aids. You’re probably asking: “How do I remove moisture from my hearing aids”? In most cases, you can wipe it down and allow it to air dry in a warm spot.
- Utilize accessories to keep your hearing aids secured to your ears: In order to be sure your hearing aids stay 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, like skiing, skating, or sledding.
- Talk to us about how your hearing aids are fitting: Sometimes, when they get really cold, hearing aids can become uncomfortable. Minimize any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- Be certain you have freshly charged batteries: Hearing aid batteries don’t necessarily freeze but they will drain faster in the cold. This means you’ll want to make certain you have a full charge before heading out into any inclement weather.
- It helps to wear earmuffs or a hat: Not only will this keep your ears cozy, it’ll keep your hearing aids warm, as well! And your hearing aids will work at their optimal level if they’re warm. Your next question might be: can I wear ear muffs over my hearing aid without affecting my hearing? Most hearing aids will still work just fine with earmuffs on.
- Try not to get your hearing aids 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 rain or snow, the answer is yes. Though most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are typically water resistant. This means your hearing aid can probably get a little wet, but it’s not a very good idea to leave it that way longer than necessary.
Maybe you’re wondering how to protect your hearing aids when it gets cold. That’s exactly what we’re going to find out.
If your hearing aid stops working, what should you do?
Occasionally, unfortunately, your hearing aid will quit working even when the weather is warm and dry. There are a few practical troubleshooting measures you can take (make sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for instance). But if those steps aren’t helpful, we should be able to help you identify the cause of the problem 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 inside. Perhaps you aren’t a winter person. Possibly you’re going to make yourself some nice hot soup. Maybe you’re not a big fan of snowmobiles. The essential thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are preventing you from living your greatest winter life.
If you follow the tips above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is particularly true. Call us if you have any concerns about how your hearing aids may be effected by the cold.