Lots of individuals really enjoy winter! Well, if you have to go somewhere, it can certainly be a challenge. Or if you’re not properly prepared. But during those cold winter months, you can find plenty of enjoyable things to do.
Don’t believe us? Well, here are just a few examples of how cold weather can be enjoyable: you could go sledding or skiing. You could have a good time on a snowmobile! You could head out onto the ice for some ice skating or ice fishing. With the right gear, winter can be just as much of an outdoor season as spring, summer, or fall (and the hot chocolate is so much more rewarding when you’ve been outdoors in the cold).
But that’s a significant caveat: you need the proper gear to stay comfortable. Maybe you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be impacted by the cold. Will the cold damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be fine in any weather
Hearing aids are designed to be used full-time. They’re made to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers are aware that these devices may take a beating. But just because hearing aids are meant to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything drastic with them.
Consequently, most hearing aids are manufactured to be somewhat “all-weather”. Most hearing aids can operate quite well between the temperatures of -13 and 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).
Which is a good thing! It means you’ll be capable of hearing in most environments. Now, you may be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids function as well in the cold? Hearing aids will work in the cold, just maybe not as well.
Some winter hearing aid guidelines
You can keep your hearing aids operating at near maximum efficiency if you take a few measures.
- Speak with us about how your hearing aids are fitting: Hearing aids can sometimes become uncomfortable when they’re cold. Speak with us about the fit of your devices to give yourself the chance to lessen discomfort.
- Try not to let your hearing aid wet: When snow melts, it’s wet, so be careful 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. Even though most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are normally water resistant. 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 you have to.
- Keep your hearing aids someplace warm and dry when you aren’t wearing them: This will help prevent moisture from causing problems with your hearing aids. Perhaps you aren’t certain how to remove moisture from your hearing aid. In the majority of situations, you can dry it off and then put it someplace warm and dry.
- Use accessories to keep your hearing aids strapped to your ears: In order to ensure your hearing aids remain securely in place in your ears you can utilize 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: Wearing earmuffs or a hat will keep both your ears and your hearing aid toasty. And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more optimally they’ll be functioning. Perhaps 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.
- Check your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): 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.
So, if you’re wondering: how can I safeguard my hearing aids in the winter? That’s precisely what we’re going to explore.
What should you do if your hearing aids quit working?
Of course, even in the best possible weather conditions, your hearing aid might occasionally stop working. There are a few practical troubleshooting steps you can take (be sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for example). But if those steps aren’t helpful, we should be able to help you identify the cause of the issue and the best way to fix it.
You can still enjoy life even when it’s cold!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s understandable that you would want to stay indoors. Maybe you don’t like the cold. Perhaps a delicious warm bowl of soup would hit the spot. Possibly snowmobiles aren’t your jam. What’s essential here is not to let issues with your hearing aid impact your quality of life, even during the winter.
If you observe the tips above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is especially true. Give us a call if you have any questions about how your hearing aids might be effected by the cold.