Contrary to popular opinion, winter is fun! Well, if you need to go somewhere, it can certainly be a challenge. Or if you aren’t properly prepared. But during those chilly winter months, you can find plenty of fun things to do.
Still not convinced? Well, here are just a few instances of how cold weather can be fun: you could go sledding or skiing. You could have some fun on a snowmobile! Or you could grab 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 fall (and the hot cocoa is so much more rewarding when you’ve been outside in the cold).
But the secret here is using the appropriate gear. Perhaps you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be effected by the cold. Or can cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be fine in any weather
Hearing aids are made to be used on a daily basis. They’re built so you can wear them to the grocery store, out for a hike, or just around the house. The manufacturers of these devices are well aware that they need to have a robust construction. We don’t suggest you do anything extreme with your hearing aids, just remember that they’re made to accompany you throughout your normal daily tasks.
Most hearing aids are designed 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).
You will be able to hear well in the majority of environments and that’s a wonderful thing. Now, you might 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 perhaps not as well.
Tips for hearing aids in the winter
Luckily, there are some things you can do to help make sure your hearing aids continue to function at maximum efficiency (or close enough) even in cold weather.
- We can help ensure your hearing aid fits properly: At times, 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 minimize discomfort.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by making use of accessories.: In order to ensure your hearing aids remain securely in place in your ears you can utilize one of many available straps or clips. This can be particularly relevant if you’re engaged in strenuous activity, such as skiing, skating, or sledding.
- When you aren’t using your hearing aids, keep them in a dry and warm spot: Your hearing aid will function better and with fewer issues if you keep moisture out of it. You’re most likely 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.
- Letting your hearing aids get wet isn’t a good idea: When snow melts, it becomes water, so be cautious 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. Even though most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are usually water resistant. 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 you have to.
- Try wearing a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears warm, it’ll keep your hearing aids toasty, also! And your hearing aids will operate at their maximum level if they’re warm. Your next question may be: can I wear ear muffs over my hearing aid without affecting my hearing? Most hearing aids will continue to work just fine with earmuffs on.
- Be certain you have freshly charged batteries: Hearing aid batteries don’t necessarily freeze but they will die quicker in the cold. So before you go out in the cold, make sure your battery is fully charged.
Maybe you’re wondering how to protect your hearing aids when it gets cold. That’s exactly what we’re going to explore.
If your hearing aid stops working, what should you do?
Sometimes, unfortunately, your hearing aid will quit working even when the weather is warm and dry. There are a few basic troubleshooting steps you can take (be sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for example). If you still aren’t able to figure out why they aren’t working, we should be able to help you with that.
Don’t let cold weather stop you from enjoying life!
There are plenty of reasons why you may want to stay inside when it’s -10 degrees outside. Maybe you’re not a winter person. Perhaps a nice hot bowl of soup would do the trick. Possibly snowmobiles aren’t your jam. The important thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are stopping you from living your best winter life.
If you follow the tips above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is particularly true. If you have any questions about how cold weather could impact the performance of your hearing aids, talk to us today!