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 correct gear (or proper infrastructure). But there are plenty of fun things to do in those colder winter months.
Don’t believe it? Well, here are only a few examples of how cold weather can be enjoyable: you could go sledding or skiing. You could take a snowmobile ride. You could go out onto the ice for some ice skating or ice fishing. 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 major caveat: you need the right gear to remain comfortable. You may be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold air affect my hearing aids? Can the cold damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be fine in any weather
Hearing aids are meant to be used full-time. They’re constructed so you can wear them to the grocery store, out on a hike, or just around the house. The makers of these devices understand that they need to have a resilient construction. But just because hearing aids are meant to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything extreme with them.
As a result, most hearing aids are manufactured to be somewhat “all-weather”. The safe temperature range for most 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 capable of hearing well in the majority of settings and that’s a wonderful thing. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s very cold? Hearing aids will work in the cold, just perhaps not as well.
Guidelines for hearing aids in the winter
You can keep your hearing aids functioning at near maximum efficiency if you take a few steps.
- Make sure you have freshly charged batteries: Do hearing aid batteries freeze? Well, not really. But cold weather can kill 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 problems if you keep moisture out of it. You’re probably asking: “How do I eliminate moisture from my hearing aids”? In the majority of cases, you can dry it off and then leave it someplace dry and warm.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by making use of accessories.: 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 particularly relevant.
- Consult us about the fit of your hearing aids: Hearing aids can sometimes be uncomfortable when they’re cold. Decrease any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- Try not to let your hearing aid wet: When snow melts, it becomes water, so be mindful about exposing your hearing aids to snow. If you’re going to ask, “Well, can I use hearing aids when it’s snowing or raining”? Yes, you can. Even though most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are normally water resistant. So while your hearing aid will probably be okay if it gets a bit wet, you should dry it as soon as possible.
- Try wearing a hat or earmuffs: Wearing earmuffs or a hat will keep both your ears and your hearing aid cozy. And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more optimally they’ll be functioning. 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.
Maybe you’re wondering how to safeguard your hearing aids when it gets cold. That’s exactly what we’re going to find out.
If your hearing aid quits 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 measures you can take (be sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for example). But if those steps don’t help, we should be able to help you identify 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 understandable that you would want to stay indoors. Maybe you don’t like the cold. Perhaps a nice hot bowl of soup would do the trick. 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.
If you observe the guidelines above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is particularly true. If you have any questions about how cold weather could effect the performance of your hearing aids, call us today!