Lots of individuals really enjoy winter! Well, if you have to go somewhere, it can definitely be a challenge. 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.
Still not convinced? Sledding and skiing aren’t the only enjoyable things you can do in the winter. You could have some fun on a snowmobile! You could go out onto the ice for some ice skating or ice fishing. With the correct gear, winter can be just as much of an outdoor season as spring, summer, or fall (and the hot cocoa is so much more satisfying when you’ve been outdoors in the cold).
But the key here is using the right gear. You might be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold weather impact my hearing aids? Can the cold damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be okay in any weather
Hearing aids are designed to be worn every day. They’re made to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers are aware that these devices may take a pounding. We don’t recommend you do anything extreme with your hearing aids, just remember that they’re manufactured to go along with you throughout your normal daily activities.
The majority of hearing aids are designed to be basically “all weather” as a result. Most hearing aids can function quite nicely between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad spectrum of temperature possibilities (even though there are some places, particularly 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. Now, you may be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids function as well in the winter? Hearing aids will work in the cold, just perhaps not as well.
Tips for hearing aids in the winter
You can keep your hearing aids functioning at near peak efficiency if you take a few steps.
- When you’re not using your hearing aids, keep them in a dry and warm place: Your hearing aid will work better and with fewer issues if you keep moisture out of it. Maybe you’re not certain how to remove moisture from your hearing aid. In the majority of situations, you can dry it off and then leave it somewhere dry and warm.
- Try not to let your hearing aid wet: Be cautious 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. This means your hearing aid can most likely get a bit wet, but it’s not a great idea to leave it that way longer than you have to.
- It helps to wear a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears cozy, it’ll keep your hearing aids toasty, as well! And your hearing aids will operate at their optimal level if they are warm. Your next question may be: can I wear ear muffs on top of my hearing aid without affecting my hearing? Well, it depends on the hearing aid, but in most cases, your hearing aids will still keep working.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by using 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 specifically true.
- Make sure you have freshly charged batteries: Can hearing aid batteries freeze? Well, not really. But cold weather can drain your batteries faster than warm weather. This means you’ll want to make sure you have a full charge before heading out into any severe weather.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits properly: Hearing aids can sometimes become uncomfortable when they’re cold. Speak with us about the fit of your devices to give yourself the chance to decrease discomfort.
So, if you’re wondering: how can I safeguard my hearing aids in the winter? That’s precisely what we’re going to explore.
If your hearing aid stops working, what should you do?
Of course, even in the best possible weather conditions, your hearing aid may occasionally stop working. You can take a few basic steps to troubleshoot your device (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 determine the cause of the problem and the best way to fix it.
Don’t let cold weather keep you from enjoying life!
There are lots of reasons why you may want to stay indoors when it’s -10 degrees outside. Maybe you’re not a winter person. Perhaps a nice hot bowl of soup would hit the spot. Possibly snowmobiles aren’t your jam. The important thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are preventing you from living your best winter life.
That’s especially true if you take care of your devices, and observe the guidelines outlined above. Contact us if you have any questions about how your hearing aids might be effected by the cold.
