In contrast to popular opinion, winter is fun! Well, if you have to go somewhere, it can definitely be a challenge. Or if you don’t have the proper gear (or proper infrastructure). But during those cold winter months, you can find lots of fun things to do.
Don’t believe it? Well, here are only a few instances of how cold weather can be enjoyable: you could go sledding or skiing. You could go for a snowmobile ride. You could go 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 correct gear.
But that’s an important caveat: you need the correct gear to remain comfortable. Maybe you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be impacted by the cold. Or will cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be okay in any weather
Hearing aids are made to be used full-time. They’re designed to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. 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 drastic with them.
Most hearing aids are built to be basically “all weather” as a result. The safe temperature range for the majority of hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad spectrum of temperature possibilities (even though there are some places, particularly up north, that will occasionally 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 very cold? Hearing aids will work in the cold, just maybe not as well.
Tips for hearing aids in the winter
You can keep your hearing aids working at close to peak efficiency if you take a few measures.
- Monitor your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Do hearing aid batteries freeze? Well, not really. But cold weather can kill your batteries faster than warm weather. So before you go out in the cold, be sure your battery is completely charged.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by using accessories.: In order to make sure your hearing aids stay securely in place in your ears you can make use of one of many available clips or straps. This can be especially significant if you’re involved in strenuous activity, such as skiing, skating, or sledding.
- It’s helpful to wear a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears warm, it’ll keep your hearing aids toasty, as well! And your hearing aids will operate at their optimal level if they are warm. Maybe you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still function if you have earmuffs over them. Well, it depends on the hearing aid, but in most cases, your hearing aids will still continue to work.
- When you’re not using your hearing aids, keep them in a dry and warm spot: Your hearing aid will work better and with fewer problems if you keep moisture out of it. Maybe you aren’t certain how to remove moisture from your hearing aid. Usually, you can wipe it down and allow it to air dry in a warm spot.
- We can help ensure your hearing aid fits properly: 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.
- Letting your hearing aids get wet isn’t a good idea: Be careful not to get snow on your hearing aid because when snow melts, things get wet. 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 usually waterproof. This means your hearing aid can most likely get a bit wet, but it’s not a great idea to leave it that way longer than necessary.
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 quits working, what should you do?
Occasionally, unfortunately, your hearing aid will stop working even when the weather is warm and dry. There are a few standard troubleshooting measures you can take (for instance, make sure the batteries are charged and that your devices are good and dry). If you still can’t determine why they’re not working, we should be able to help you with that.
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. Perhaps you’re not a winter person. Perhaps a nice warm bowl of soup would do the trick. Perhaps you’re not a big fan of snowmobiles. What’s essential here is not to let problems with your hearing aid impact your quality of life, even during the winter.
That’s particularly true if you take care of your devices, and follow the tips outlined above. If you have any questions about how cold weather could effect the performance of your hearing aids, talk to us today!