In contrast to popular belief, winter is fun! Okay, it can definitely be a bummer if you have to get anywhere. Or if you’re not properly prepared. But there are lots of fun things to do in those chillier winter months.
Don’t believe us? Well, here are only a few examples of how cold weather can be enjoyable: you could go skiing or sledding. You could have some fun on a snowmobile! You could head out onto the ice for some ice skating or ice fishing. You can enjoy being outdoors in the winter just as much as the summer, spring, or, fall if you have the proper gear.
But that’s an important caveat: you need the right gear to stay comfortable. Maybe you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be impacted by the cold. Or will cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Most hearing aids are designed to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are made to be used full-time. They’re designed to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers understand that these devices might take a beating. We don’t recommend you do anything extreme with your hearing aids, just remember that they’re designed 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 range of temperature possibilities (even though there are some places, especially 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. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s very cold? Well, drops in temperature will put stress on your devices, so while they might operate, they might not work at their best.
Some winter hearing aid tips
You can keep your hearing aids working at near maximum efficiency if you take a few measures.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits properly: At times, when they get really cold, hearing aids can be uncomfortable. Decrease any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- Make use of accessories to keep your hearing aids secured to your ears: In order to make sure your hearing aids remain securely in place in your ears you can utilize one of many available clips or straps. If you’re participating in any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is especially relevant.
- Keep your hearing aids someplace warm and dry when you aren’t using them: This will help stop moisture from causing problems with your hearing aids. You’re probably asking: “How do I eliminate moisture from my hearing aids”? Usually, you can wipe it down and allow it to air dry in a warm spot.
- Make sure you have freshly charged batteries: Hearing aid batteries don’t necessarily freeze but they will drain quicker in the cold. This means you’ll want to be certain you have a full charge before going out into any inclement weather.
- It helps to wear a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears warm, it’ll keep your hearing aids warm, also! And your hearing aids will work at their maximum level if they’re 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 continue to work.
- Getting your hearing aid wet isn’t a smart idea: When snow melts, it’s wet, 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 raining or snowing”? Yes, you can. Though most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are normally 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 necessary.
Perhaps you’re wondering how to protect your hearing aids when it gets cold. Well, now you’ve got some answers.
What should you do if your hearing aids stop working?
Occasionally, unfortunately, your hearing aid will quit working even when the weather is warm and dry. There are a few basic troubleshooting measures you can take (be sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for instance). 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. Maybe you don’t enjoy the cold. Possibly you’re going to make yourself some yummy hot soup. Perhaps you aren’t a big fan of snowmobiles. The essential thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are stopping you from living your best winter life.
If you observe the tips above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is especially true. Give us a call if you have any questions about how your hearing aids may be impacted by the cold.
