Lots of individuals really enjoy winter! Well, if you have to go somewhere, it can certainly be a challenge. Or if you aren’t properly prepared. But during those cold winter months, you can find plenty of fun things to do.
Don’t believe us? Well, here are only a few examples of how cold weather can be enjoyable: you could go skiing or sledding. You could take a snowmobile ride. You could head out onto the ice for some ice skating or ice fishing. With the correct gear, winter can be just as much of an outdoor season as spring, summer, or autumn (and the hot cocoa is so much more satisfying when you’ve been outdoors in the cold).
But that’s a significant caveat: you need the proper gear to stay comfortable. You might be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold air impact my hearing aids? Or can cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Most hearing aids are made to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are made to be used full-time. They’re designed 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 remember that they’re designed to accompany you throughout your normal daily activities.
The majority of hearing aids are manufactured 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 range of temperature possibilities (although there are some places, especially 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 settings. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s very cold? Hearing aids will function in the cold, just maybe not as well.
Tips for hearing aids in the winter
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help make sure your hearing aids continue to function at peak efficiency (or near enough) even in cold weather.
- Utilize accessories to keep your hearing aids secured to your ears: In order to ensure your hearing aids stay securely in place in your ears you can utilize one of many available straps or clips. This can be especially significant if you’re involved in strenuous activity, like skiing, skating, or sledding.
- Try not to let your hearing aid wet: Be cautious not to get snow on your hearing aid because when snow melts, things get wet. If you’re going to ask, “Well, can I wear hearing aids when it’s snowing or raining”? Yes, you can. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not necessarily waterproof. So while your hearing aid will most likely be fine if it gets a little wet, you should dry it as soon as you can.
- Try donning a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears cozy, it’ll keep your hearing aids warm, too! And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more ideally they’ll be functioning. Perhaps 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 keep working.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits correctly: Sometimes, when they get really cold, hearing aids can be uncomfortable. Talk to us about the fit of your devices to give yourself the chance to decrease discomfort.
- Keep your hearing aids someplace warm and dry when you aren’t using them: Your hearing aid will function better and with fewer problems if you keep moisture out of it. You’re probably asking: “How do I eliminate moisture from my hearing aids”? Usually, you can wipe it down and let it air dry in a warm spot.
- Be certain you have freshly charged batteries: Do hearing aid batteries freeze? Well, not really. But cold weather can drain your batteries faster than warm weather. So before you go out in the cold, be sure your battery is fully charged.
So, if you’re wondering: how can I safeguard my hearing aids in the winter? Well, now you have some answers.
What should you do if your hearing aids stop working?
Occasionally, unfortunately, your hearing aid will stop working even when the weather is warm and dry. You can take a few basic steps to troubleshoot your device (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 when it’s cold!
There are plenty of reasons why you may want to stay inside when it’s -10 degrees outside. Perhaps you aren’t a winter person. Maybe a delicious warm bowl of soup would do the trick. Maybe you’re not a big fan of snowmobiles. The essential thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are stopping you from living your greatest winter life.
That’s especially true if you take care of your devices, and follow the tips outlined above. Call us if you have any concerns about how your hearing aids may be effected by the cold.