Contrary to popular opinion, winter is fun! Well, if you need to go somewhere, it can definitely be a challenge. Or if you’re not properly prepared. But there are lots of fun things to do in those chillier winter months.
Still not convinced? Sledding and skiing aren’t the only fun 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 proper gear.
But the secret here is using the appropriate gear. Perhaps you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be impacted by the cold. Can the cold damage my hearing aids?
Most hearing aids are made to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are meant to be used full-time. They’re designed to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. The manufacturers of these devices understand that they need to have a resilient construction. We don’t recommend you do anything extreme with your hearing aids, just keep in mind that they’re manufactured to go along with you throughout your normal daily activities.
Consequently, most hearing aids are designed to be somewhat “all-weather”. Most hearing aids can function quite well between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. There are some places that will sometimes go below -13 but usually, that covers the broad range of temperatures.
Which is a good thing! It means you’ll be capable of hearing in most settings. Now, you may be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids function as well in the cold? Hearing aids will function in the cold, just perhaps not as well.
Some winter hearing aid advice
You can keep your hearing aids working at near maximum efficiency if you take a few measures.
- 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 fine if it gets a little wet, you should dry it as soon as possible.
- Make sure you have freshly charged batteries: Hearing aid batteries don’t generally freeze but they will die faster in the cold. So before you go out in the cold, make sure your battery is completely charged.
- Keep your hearing aids someplace warm and dry when you aren’t using them: This will help stop moisture from causing issues with your hearing aids. Perhaps you aren’t sure how to remove moisture from your hearing aid. Normally, you can wipe it down and let it air dry in a warm spot.
- Make use of accessories to keep your hearing aids secured to your ears: In order to be sure your hearing aids stay securely in place in your ears you can utilize one of many available clips or straps. If you’re doing any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is particularly true.
- Consult us about how your hearing aids are fitting: At times, when they get really cold, hearing aids can become uncomfortable. Decrease any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- It helps to wear earmuffs or a hat: Not only will this keep your ears cozy, it’ll keep your hearing aids warm, as well! And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more ideally they’ll be functioning. Your next question might be: can I wear ear muffs over 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.
Perhaps you’re wondering how to safeguard your hearing aids when it gets cold. Well, now you’ve got some answers.
If your hearing aid stops working, what should you do?
Of course, even in the optimal weather conditions, your hearing aid may occasionally stop working. You can take a few basic steps 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 in the cold!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s understandable that you would want to stay indoors. Perhaps you’re not a winter person. Maybe a delicious warm bowl of soup would do the trick. Maybe snowmobiles aren’t your jam. The important thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are preventing you from living your greatest winter life.
If you follow the tips above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is especially true. If you have any questions about how cold weather may effect the performance of your hearing aids, call us today!
