In contrast to popular belief, winter is fun! Well, if you need to go somewhere, it can certainly be a challenge. Or if you aren’t properly prepared. But there are plenty of fun things to do in those colder winter months.
Still not convinced? Well, here are just a few examples of how cold weather can be fun: you could go skiing or sledding. You could have a good time on a snowmobile! Or you could grab a pair of ice skates and spend some time out on the ice. With the right gear, winter can be just as much of an outdoor season as spring, summer, or autumn (and the hot cocoa is so much more satisfying when you’ve been outdoors in the cold).
But that’s a significant caveat: you need the proper gear to remain comfortable. You might be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold weather impact my hearing aids? Or can cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Most hearing aids are designed to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are designed to be worn on a daily basis. They’re made 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.
The majority of 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 spots that will sometimes get colder than -13 but usually, that covers the broad spectrum of temperatures.
Which is a good thing! It means you’ll be able to hear in most settings. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s really cold? Well, drops in temperature will put strain on your devices, so while they may function, they may not work at their best.
Guidelines for hearing aids in the winter
You can keep your hearing aids functioning at near peak efficiency if you take a few measures.
- It’s helpful to wear a hat or earmuffs: Wearing a hat or earmuffs will keep both your ears and your hearing aid cozy. And your hearing aids will operate at their maximum level if they’re warm. Your next question might 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.
- We can help ensure your hearing aid fits correctly: Hearing aids can sometimes become uncomfortable when they’re cold. Decrease any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- When you’re not using your hearing aids, store them in a dry and warm spot: This will help stop moisture from causing issues with your hearing aids. You’re most likely asking: “How do I remove moisture from my hearing aids”? In most cases, you can dry it off and then put it somewhere dry and warm.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by making use of accessories.: There are all kinds of straps and clips you can make use of to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. If you’re doing any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is particularly true.
- Try not to let your hearing aid 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. Although most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are usually water resistant. This means your hearing aid can most likely get a little wet, but it’s not a very good idea to leave it that way longer than you have to.
- Check your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Can hearing aid batteries freeze? Well, not really. But cold weather can kill your batteries faster than warm weather. This means you’ll want to make sure you have a full charge before going out into any inclement weather.
So, if you’re wondering: how do I safeguard my hearing aids in the winter? Well, now you have some answers.
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. You can take a few basic measures to troubleshoot your device (make sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for instance). 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!
There are lots of reasons why you might want to stay indoors when it’s -10 degrees outside. Maybe you aren’t a winter person. Maybe a delicious warm bowl of soup would hit the spot. Maybe you aren’t a big fan of snowmobiles. The essential thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are preventing you from living your greatest winter life.
That’s especially true if you take care of your devices, and follow the guidelines outlined above. Give us a call if you have any questions about how your hearing aids may be effected by the cold.