Lots of individuals really love winter! Alright, it can certainly be a bummer if you need to get somewhere. Or if you don’t have the correct gear (or proper infrastructure). But during those cold winter months, you can find plenty of enjoyable things to do.
Don’t believe it? Sledding and skiing aren’t the only enjoyable things you can do in the winter. You could have a good time on a snowmobile! Or you could grab a pair of ice skates and spend a little 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. Perhaps you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be effected by the cold. Can the cold 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 built so you can wear them to the supermarket, out for a hike, or simply around the house. The makers of these devices understand that they need to have a resilient construction. 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 tasks.
As a result, most hearing aids are made to be somewhat “all-weather”. The safe temperature range for most hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad range of temperature possibilities (though 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 able to hear in most environments. 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.
Guidelines for hearing aids in the winter
Fortunately, there are certain things you can do to help ensure your hearing aids continue to function at maximum efficiency (or close enough) even in cold weather.
- Check your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Hearing aid batteries don’t necessarily freeze but they will die faster in the cold. This means you’ll want to be certain you have a full charge before heading out into any severe weather.
- Try wearing a hat or earmuffs: Wearing earmuffs or a hat will keep both your ears and your hearing aid toasty. And your hearing aids will work at their best level if they are warm. Your next question might be: can I wear ear muffs over my hearing aid without affecting my hearing? Most hearing aids will still work just fine with earmuffs on.
- 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. Normally, you can wipe it down and allow it to air dry in a warm spot.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits properly: 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.
- Letting your hearing aids get wet isn’t a good idea: When snow melts, it becomes water, so be careful about exposing your hearing aids to snow. If you’re going to ask, “Well, can I wear hearing aids when it’s raining or snowing”? Yes, you can. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not necessarily waterproof. So while your hearing aid will most likely be okay if it gets a little wet, you should dry it as soon as you can.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by making use of accessories.: There are all kinds of straps and clips you can use to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. This can be especially relevant if you’re engaged in strenuous activity, including skiing, skating, or sledding.
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 quit working?
Of course, even in the optimal weather conditions, your hearing aid might occasionally stop working. 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 don’t help, we should be able to help you diagnose the cause of the issue and the best way to fix it.
Don’t let cold weather keep you from enjoying life!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s reasonable that you would want to stay inside. Perhaps you don’t like the cold. Maybe you’re going to cook yourself some yummy hot soup. Maybe snowmobiles aren’t your jam. What’s important here is not to let issues with your hearing aid diminish your quality of life, even during the winter.
That’s especially true if you take care of your devices, and follow the guidelines outlined above. If you have any questions about how cold weather may impact the performance of your hearing aids, talk to us today!
