Lots of people really love winter! Alright, it can definitely be a bummer if you have to go somewhere. Or if you’re not properly prepared. But during those chilly winter months, you can find lots of fun things to do.
Still not convinced? Skiing and sledding aren’t the only enjoyable things you can do in the winter. You could have some fun on a snowmobile! Or you could grab a pair of ice skates and spend a little time out on the ice. You can enjoy being outdoors in the winter just as much as the summer, spring, or, fall if you have the proper gear.
But the key here is having the right gear. You may 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?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be okay in any weather
Hearing aids are designed to be used full-time. They’re meant to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers are aware that these devices may take a beating. But just because hearing aids are meant to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything extreme with them.
The majority of hearing aids are designed to be basically “all weather” as a result. Most hearing aids can function 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 able to hear well in the majority of environments and that’s a great thing. 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 function, they may not work at their best.
Some winter hearing aid tips
Fortunately, 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.
- Make use of accessories to keep your hearing aids strapped to your ears: There are all manner of straps and clips you can make use of to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. This can be especially relevant if you’re involved in strenuous activity, like skiing, skating, or sledding.
- Check your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Can hearing aid batteries freeze? Well, not really. But cold weather can drain your batteries faster than warm weather. This means you’ll want to make certain you have a full charge before going out into any inclement weather.
- Getting your hearing aid wet isn’t a good idea: Be careful not to get snow on your hearing aid because when snow melts, things get wet. If you’re wondering whether you can wear your hearing aids in the snow and rain, the answer is yes. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not necessarily waterproof. So while your hearing aid will most likely be okay if it gets a bit wet, you should dry it as soon as possible.
- Keep your hearing aids someplace warm and dry when you aren’t using them: This will help prevent moisture from causing issues with your hearing aids. Perhaps you aren’t sure how to eliminate moisture from your hearing aid. In most cases, you can dry it off and then leave it somewhere dry and warm.
- Speak with us about how your hearing aids are fitting: Hearing aids can sometimes become uncomfortable when they’re cold. Minimize any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- It’s helpful to wear 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 functioning. Your next question may be: can I wear ear muffs on top of my hearing aid without impacting my hearing? Well, it depends on the hearing aid, but in most cases, your hearing aids will still continue to work.
So, if you’re wondering: how can I protect my hearing aids in the winter? That’s exactly what we’re going to explore.
What should you do if your hearing aids quit working?
Occasionally, unfortunately, your hearing aid will stop working even when the weather is warm and dry. There are a few basic troubleshooting measures you can take (for instance, ensure the batteries are charged and that your devices are good and dry). If you still aren’t able to determine why they’re not working, we should be able to assist you with that.
Don’t let cold weather keep you from enjoying life!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s understandable that you would want to stay indoors. Maybe you don’t enjoy the cold. 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 stopping you from living your best winter life.
That’s especially true if you take care of your devices, and observe the guidelines outlined above. Give us a call if you have any concerns about how your hearing aids might be effected by the cold.