Lots of individuals really love winter! Well, if you have to go somewhere, it can definitely be difficult. Or if you don’t have the proper gear (or proper infrastructure). But during those chilly winter months, you can find lots 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 take a snowmobile ride. You could head out onto the ice for some ice skating or ice fishing. You can enjoy being outside in the winter just as much as the summer, spring, or, autumn if you have the right gear.
But the secret here is using 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 will cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Most hearing aids are designed to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are made to be used every day. They’re built so you can wear them to the grocery store, out for a hike, or just around the house. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers are aware that these devices may take a pounding. We don’t suggest you do anything drastic with your hearing aids, just remember that they’re manufactured 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 most hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. There are some places that will sometimes get colder than -13 but otherwise, that covers the broad spectrum of temperatures.
You will be able to hear well in most 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? Well, drops in temperature will put strain on your devices, so while they may work, they might not work optimally.
Guidelines for hearing aids in the winter
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help ensure your hearing aids continue to function at maximum efficiency (or near enough) even in cold weather.
- Try donning a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears cozy, it’ll keep your hearing aids toasty, too! And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more optimally they’ll be functioning. Your next question may be: can I wear ear muffs on top of my hearing aid without affecting my hearing? Most hearing aids will still work just fine with earmuffs on.
- Try not to get your hearing aids wet: 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 usually waterproof. So while your hearing aid will probably be fine if it gets a little wet, you should dry it as soon as possible.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by using accessories.: In order to be sure your hearing aids remain securely in place in your ears you can make use of one of many available straps or clips. This can be particularly significant if you’re engaged in strenuous activity, including 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 be certain you have a full charge before heading out into any severe weather.
- Keep your hearing aids somewhere warm and dry when you aren’t using them: Your hearing aid will function better and with fewer issues if you keep moisture out of it. Maybe you’re not sure how to eliminate moisture from your hearing aid. Usually, 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. Speak with us about the fit of your devices to give yourself the chance to lessen discomfort.
Maybe you’re wondering how to safeguard your hearing aids when it gets cold. Well, now you’ve got some answers.
What should you do if your hearing aids quit working?
Occasionally, unfortunately, your hearing aid will quit working even when the weather is warm and dry. You can take a few basic measures to troubleshoot your device (for example, make sure the batteries are charged and that your devices are good and dry). If you still can’t figure out why they aren’t working, we should be able to help you with that.
You can still enjoy life even when it’s cold!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s understandable that you would want to stay inside. Maybe you aren’t a winter person. Maybe a delicious warm bowl of soup would hit the spot. Possibly snowmobiles aren’t your jam. The important thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are preventing you from living your best winter life.
That’s especially true if you take care of your devices, and observe the tips outlined above. Give us a call if you have any concerns about how your hearing aids might be effected by the cold.