Lots of people really love winter! Well, if you need to go somewhere, it can certainly be a challenge. Or if you aren’t properly prepared. But during those chilly winter months, you can find lots of enjoyable things to do.
Don’t believe us? Sledding and skiing aren’t the only fun things you can do in the winter. You could have some fun on a snowmobile! 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 correct gear.
But the key here is using the appropriate gear. 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?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be fine in any weather
Hearing aids are made to be used full-time. They’re made to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers understand that these devices may take a pounding. We don’t suggest you do anything drastic with your hearing aids, just keep in mind that they’re designed to go along with you throughout your normal daily tasks.
Most hearing aids are designed to be basically “all weather” as a result. The safe temperature range for most hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. There are some places that will sometimes go below -13 but usually, that covers the broad spectrum of temperatures.
You will be able to hear well in most environments and that’s a wonderful thing. Now, you may be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids work as well in the cold? Hearing aids will function in the cold, just perhaps not as well.
Tips for hearing aids in the winter
Luckily, there are some things you can do to help ensure your hearing aids continue to function at maximum efficiency (or near enough) even in cold weather.
- It helps to wear earmuffs or a hat: Not only will this keep your ears cozy, it’ll keep your hearing aids toasty, as well! And your hearing aids will operate at their best level if they are warm. 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.
- Keep your hearing aids somewhere warm and dry when you aren’t using them: Your hearing aid will work better and with fewer issues if you keep moisture out of it. You’re probably asking: “How do I eliminate moisture from my hearing aids”? In most cases, you can wipe it down and let it air dry in a warm spot.
- Try not to let your hearing aid wet: Be careful not to get snow on your hearing aid because when snow melts, things get wet. If you’re wondering whether you can wear your hearing aids in the snow and rain, the answer is yes. Although most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are normally water resistant. This means your hearing aid can probably get a little wet, but it’s not a great idea to leave it that way longer than necessary.
- Make use of accessories to keep your hearing aids strapped to your ears: In order to make sure your hearing aids stay securely in place in your ears you can make use of one of many available straps or clips. If you’re participating in any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is particularly true.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits correctly: Sometimes, when they get really cold, hearing aids can become uncomfortable. Decrease any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- Make sure you have freshly charged batteries: Hearing aid batteries don’t generally freeze but they will drain faster in the cold. So before you go out in the cold, be sure your battery is completely charged.
So, if you’re wondering: how do I protect my hearing aids in the winter? Well, now you’ve got some answers.
If your hearing aid quits working, what should you do?
Of course, even in the optimal weather conditions, your hearing aid might occasionally quit working. There are a few straightforward troubleshooting steps 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’re not working, we should be able to assist you with that.
You can still enjoy life even when it’s cold!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s reasonable that you would want to stay indoors. Maybe you aren’t a winter person. Perhaps a nice hot bowl of soup would do the trick. Perhaps you aren’t a big fan of snowmobiles. What’s essential here is not to let issues with your hearing aid impact your quality of life, even when it’s winter.
If you follow the tips above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is particularly true. If you have any questions about how cold weather could impact the performance of your hearing aids, call us today!