In contrast to popular opinion, winter is fun! Well, if you have to go somewhere, it can certainly be difficult. Or if you don’t have the correct gear (or proper infrastructure). But during those chilly winter months, you can find lots of fun things to do.
Don’t believe us? Well, here are only 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 some 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 correct gear.
But that’s an important caveat: you need the proper gear to remain comfortable. Maybe you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be effected by the cold. Or will cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Most hearing aids are made to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are made to be used every day. They’re designed to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. Which means that hearing aid makers are aware that these devices may take a pounding. But just because hearing aids are meant to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything extreme with them.
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. That covers the broad spectrum of temperature possibilities (although there are some places, especially up north, that will occasionally get colder than -13 degrees).
You will be able to hear 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 maybe not as well.
Some winter hearing aid advice
You can keep your hearing aids functioning at near maximum efficiency if you take a few steps.
- Speak with us about the fit of your hearing aids: At times, when they get really cold, hearing aids can become uncomfortable. Talk to us about the fit of your devices in order to give yourself the chance to minimize discomfort.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by using accessories.: There are all kinds of straps and clips you can use to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. This can be particularly relevant if you’re involved in strenuous activity, like skiing, skating, or sledding.
- Getting your hearing aid wet isn’t a smart idea: When snow melts, it becomes water, so be cautious 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 typically water resistant. So while your hearing aid will most likely be fine if it gets a little wet, you should dry it as soon as you can.
- Try donning a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears cozy, it’ll keep your hearing aids toasty, also! And your hearing aids will function at their optimal level if they are warm. Perhaps you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still work if you have earmuffs over them. Most hearing aids will still work just fine with earmuffs on.
- Be certain you have freshly charged batteries: Do hearing aid batteries freeze? Well, not really. But cold weather can kill your batteries faster than warm weather. So before you go out in the cold, be sure your battery is fully charged.
- Keep your hearing aids someplace warm and dry when you aren’t wearing them: Your hearing aid will work better and with fewer problems if you keep moisture out of it. Maybe you aren’t certain how to remove moisture from your hearing aid. In the majority of instances, you can dry it off and then put it somewhere warm and dry.
So, if you’re wondering: how do I safeguard my hearing aids in the winter? That’s precisely what we’re going to find out.
If your hearing aid stops working, what should you do?
Sometimes, 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 instance, ensure the batteries are charged and that your devices are good and dry). But if those steps aren’t helpful, we should be able to help you diagnose the cause of the problem and the best way to fix it.
You can still enjoy life even when it’s cold!
There are lots of reasons why you may want to stay indoors when it’s -10 degrees outside. Maybe you aren’t a winter person. Maybe a nice hot bowl of soup would do the trick. Possibly snowmobiles aren’t your jam. What’s essential here is not to let issues with your hearing aid diminish your quality of life, even when it’s winter.
If you follow the tips 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, talk to us today!
