Lots of individuals really enjoy winter! Well, if you need to go somewhere, it can certainly be difficult. Or if you aren’t properly prepared. But there are plenty of fun things to do in those colder winter months.
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 get a pair of ice skates and spend a little time out on the ice. With the correct 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 outside in the cold).
But that’s an important caveat: you need the proper gear to remain comfortable. Perhaps you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be impacted by the cold. Or will 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 worn on a daily basis. They’re built so you can wear them to the supermarket, out on a hike, or simply around the house. The makers of these devices understand that they need to have a robust construction. We don’t recommend you do anything drastic with your hearing aids, just keep in mind that they’re manufactured to accompany you throughout your normal daily activities.
Most hearing aids are designed to be basically “all weather” as a result. Most hearing aids can function quite well between the temperatures of -13 and 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 capable of hearing in most environments. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s really cold? Well, drops in temperature will put strain on your devices, so while they might work, they may not work optimally.
Some winter hearing aid tips
You can keep your hearing aids working at close to maximum efficiency if you take a few measures.
- 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 sure you have a full charge before going out into any severe weather.
- Consult us about the fit of your hearing aids: Hearing aids can sometimes become uncomfortable when they’re cold. Talk to us about the fit of your devices in order to give yourself the opportunity to lessen discomfort.
- Make use of accessories to keep your hearing aids strapped 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 important if you’re involved in strenuous activity, like skiing, skating, or sledding.
- Getting your hearing aid wet isn’t a good idea: When snow melts, it becomes water, so be mindful 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 little wet, you should dry it as soon as possible.
- When you’re not wearing your hearing aids, store them in a dry and warm spot: Your hearing aid will work better and with fewer problems if you keep moisture out of it. Perhaps you’re not sure how to remove moisture from your hearing aid. In the majority of cases, you can dry it off and then put it someplace dry and warm.
- It’s helpful to wear earmuffs or a hat: Not only will this keep your ears cozy, it’ll keep your hearing aids warm, too! And your hearing aids will work at their maximum level if they are warm. Maybe you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still function if you have earmuffs over them. Most hearing aids will continue to work just fine with earmuffs on.
So, if you’re wondering: how can I protect 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. There are a few basic 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 determine the cause of the issue and the best way to fix it.
Don’t let cold weather stop you from enjoying life!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s reasonable that you would want to stay inside. Maybe you aren’t a winter person. Maybe you’re going to make yourself some nice hot soup. Maybe snowmobiles aren’t your jam. The essential thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are preventing you from living your greatest winter life.
If you follow the tips above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is particularly true. Contact us if you have any questions about how your hearing aids might be effected by the cold.