Lots of people really love winter! Okay, it can certainly be a bummer if you need to get anywhere. Or if you don’t have the proper gear (or proper infrastructure). But during those cold winter months, you can find lots of enjoyable things to do.
Don’t believe us? 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 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 that’s a significant caveat: you need the correct gear to remain comfortable. You may be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold air impact my hearing aids? Can the cold damage my hearing aids?
Most hearing aids are manufactured to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are made to be used every day. They’re constructed so you can wear them to the grocery store, out for a hike, or simply around the house. The manufacturers of these devices are well aware that they need to have a resilient construction. But just because hearing aids are designed to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything extreme with them.
As a result, most hearing aids are designed to be somewhat “all-weather”. The safe temperature range for most hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad spectrum of temperature possibilities (even though there are some places, particularly up north, that will sometimes get colder than -13 degrees).
You will be able to hear well in the majority of settings and that’s a great 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 maybe not as well.
Tips for hearing aids in the winter
Luckily, there are certain things you can do to help make sure your hearing aids continue to work at maximum efficiency (or close enough) even in cold weather.
- Make use of accessories to keep your hearing aids secured 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. If you’re participating in any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is specifically relevant.
- Getting your hearing aid wet isn’t a smart idea: Be cautious not to get snow on your hearing aid because when snow melts, things get wet. If you’re going to ask, “Well, can I wear hearing aids when it’s snowing or raining”? Yes, you can. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not necessarily waterproof. 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.
- Speak with us about the fit of your hearing aids: Hearing aids can sometimes be uncomfortable when they’re cold. Talk to us about the fit of your devices to give yourself the chance to decrease discomfort.
- Keep your hearing aids somewhere warm and dry when you aren’t wearing them: Your hearing aid will function better and with fewer issues if you keep moisture out of it. Maybe you’re not certain how to eliminate moisture from your hearing aid. Normally, you can wipe it down and let it air dry in a warm spot.
- It’s helpful to wear a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears warm, it’ll keep your hearing aids toasty, too! And your hearing aids will work at their optimal 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 still work just fine with earmuffs on.
- Monitor your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Hearing aid batteries don’t generally freeze but they will drain quicker in the cold. So before you go out in the cold, be sure your battery is completely charged.
So, if you’re wondering: how can I safeguard my hearing aids in the winter? That’s precisely what we’re going to explore.
If your hearing aid quits working, what should you do?
Occasionally, unfortunately, your hearing aid will quit working even when the weather is warm and dry. There are a few basic troubleshooting measures you can take (for example, ensure the batteries are charged and that your devices are nice and dry). If you still aren’t able to determine why they aren’t working, we should be able to help you with that.
You can still enjoy life even in the cold!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s reasonable that you would want to stay indoors. Perhaps you’re not a winter person. Perhaps a delicious warm bowl of soup would hit the spot. Maybe you’re not a big fan of snowmobiles. What’s important here is not to let problems with your hearing aid impact 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. Give us a call if you have any questions about how your hearing aids may be effected by the cold.