Lots of individuals really enjoy winter! Okay, it can definitely be a bummer if you need to get anywhere. Or if you don’t have the proper gear (or proper infrastructure). But during those cold winter months, you can find lots of enjoyable things to do.
Still not convinced? Well, here are only a few instances of how cold weather can be fun: you could go skiing or sledding. You could go for a snowmobile ride. You could go out onto the ice for some ice skating or ice fishing. With the proper gear, winter can be just as much of an outdoor season as spring, summer, or fall (and the hot chocolate is so much more satisfying when you’ve been outdoors in the cold).
But that’s a significant caveat: you need the correct gear to remain comfortable. Maybe you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be impacted by the cold. Will the cold damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be okay in any weather
Hearing aids are manufactured to be worn on a daily basis. They’re made to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. Which means that hearing aid makers understand that these devices may take a beating. We don’t recommend you do anything drastic with your hearing aids, just keep in mind that they’re made to go along with you throughout your normal daily tasks.
Most hearing aids are manufactured 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).
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 maybe not as well.
Some winter hearing aid guidelines
You can keep your hearing aids operating at close to maximum efficiency if you take a few measures.
- Keep your hearing aids someplace warm and dry when you aren’t wearing them: Your hearing aid will work better and with fewer issues if you keep moisture out of it. You’re probably asking: “How do I eliminate moisture from my hearing aids”? Usually, you can wipe it down and let it air dry in a warm spot.
- Try not to get your hearing aids wet: When snow melts, it’s wet, so be careful about exposing your hearing aids to snow. If you’re wondering whether you can use your hearing aids in the rain or snow, the answer is yes. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not usually waterproof. So while your hearing aid will probably be okay if it gets a little wet, you should dry it as soon as possible.
- Consult us about the fit of your hearing aids: Sometimes, when they get really cold, hearing aids can be uncomfortable. Reduce any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- It helps to wear a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears cozy, it’ll keep your hearing aids warm, too! And your hearing aids will operate at their best level if they’re warm. Perhaps you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still function if you have earmuffs over them. Most hearing aids will continue to work just fine with earmuffs on.
- Make sure you have freshly charged batteries: Hearing aid batteries don’t necessarily freeze but they will die quicker in the cold. This means you’ll want to make sure you have a full charge before heading out into any inclement weather.
- Make use of accessories to keep your hearing aids strapped to your ears: There are all kinds of straps and clips you can use to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. This can be particularly important if you’re involved in strenuous activity, including skiing, skating, or sledding.
So, if you’re wondering: how can I safeguard my hearing aids in the winter? That’s exactly what we’re going to find out.
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. There are a few standard troubleshooting steps you can take (for instance, make sure the batteries are charged and that your devices are nice and dry). If you still can’t 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 plenty of reasons why you might want to stay indoors when it’s -10 degrees outside. Maybe you’re not a winter person. Maybe you’re going to cook yourself some nice warm soup. Maybe you’re not a big fan of snowmobiles. The essential thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are preventing 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 might impact the performance of your hearing aids, call us today!