Contrary to popular opinion, winter is fun! Well, if you have to go somewhere, it can definitely be difficult. Or if you don’t have the proper gear (or proper infrastructure). But there are plenty of fun things to do in those colder winter months.
Still not convinced? Sledding and skiing aren’t the only enjoyable things you can do in the winter. You could go for a snowmobile ride. Or you could get a pair of ice skates and spend some time out on the ice. With the right gear, winter can be just as much of an outdoor season as spring, summer, or autumn (and the hot chocolate is so much more satisfying when you’ve been outdoors in the cold).
But the secret here is using the right gear. You might be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold weather impact my hearing aids? Or can cold weather 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 made to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. The makers of these devices understand that they need to have a robust 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.
As a result, most hearing aids are made to be somewhat “all-weather”. Most hearing aids can operate quite nicely between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. There are some places that will sometimes go below -13 but otherwise, that covers the broad spectrum of temperatures.
You will be capable of hearing well in the majority of settings and that’s a wonderful thing. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s very cold? Well, drops in temperature will put strain on your devices, so while they might operate, they may not operate at their best.
Some winter hearing aid guidelines
You can keep your hearing aids functioning at near peak efficiency if you take a few steps.
- Try not to get your hearing aids wet: When snow melts, it’s wet, so be careful about exposing your hearing aids to snow. If you’re wondering whether you can wear your hearing aids in the rain or snow, the answer is yes. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not usually waterproof. So while your hearing aid will probably be okay if it gets a bit wet, you should dry it as soon as you can.
- Make sure you have freshly charged batteries: Can 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, make sure your battery is fully charged.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits correctly: Hearing aids can sometimes become uncomfortable when they’re cold. Reduce any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- Try donning a hat or earmuffs: Wearing earmuffs or a hat will keep both your ears and your hearing aid toasty. And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more ideally they’ll be working. Perhaps you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still function if you have earmuffs over them. Most hearing aids will still work just fine with earmuffs on.
- 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 clips or straps. If you’re participating in any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is particularly true.
- When you aren’t wearing your hearing aids, keep them in a dry and warm place: This will help stop moisture from causing issues with your hearing aids. Perhaps you aren’t certain how to remove moisture from your hearing aid. In most situations, you can dry it off and then put it someplace dry and warm.
So, if you’re wondering: how can I protect my hearing aids in the winter? Well, now you’ve got some answers.
If your hearing aid stops 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 straightforward troubleshooting steps you can take (for example, make sure the batteries are charged and that your devices are good and dry). But if those steps don’t help, we should be able to help you determine the cause of the issue and the best way to fix it.
Don’t let cold weather stop you from enjoying life!
There are a lot of reasons why you may want to stay indoors when it’s -10 degrees outside. Maybe you don’t like the cold. Maybe a delicious warm bowl of soup would do the trick. Possibly snowmobiles aren’t your jam. What’s essential here is not to let issues with your hearing aid diminish your quality of life, even when it’s winter.
If you follow the guidelines above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is particularly true. If you have any questions about how cold weather may impact the performance of your hearing aids, call us today!