Lots of individuals really enjoy winter! Alright, it can certainly be a bummer if you have to get somewhere. Or if you aren’t properly prepared. But there are lots of fun things to do in those colder winter months.
Don’t believe it? Well, here are just a few instances of how cold weather can be fun: you could go sledding or skiing. You could take a snowmobile ride. You could go out onto the ice for some ice skating or ice fishing. With the right 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 outside in the cold).
But that’s a significant 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 effected by the cold. Can the cold damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be fine in any weather
Hearing aids are made to be used full-time. They’re built so you can wear them to the grocery store, out on a hike, or simply around the house. The manufacturers of these devices understand that they need to have a robust construction. We don’t recommend you do anything extreme with your hearing aids, just remember that they’re made to accompany you throughout your normal daily tasks.
Most 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. There are some places that will sometimes get colder than -13 but usually, that covers the broad range of temperatures.
You will be able to hear well in the majority of environments and that’s a wonderful thing. Now, you may be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids work as well in the winter? Hearing aids will function in the cold, just perhaps not as well.
Guidelines for hearing aids in the winter
You can keep your hearing aids operating at close to peak efficiency if you take a few measures.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits correctly: At times, when they get really cold, hearing aids can be uncomfortable. Minimize any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- Letting your hearing aids get wet isn’t a good idea: When snow melts, it’s wet, so be careful about exposing your hearing aids to snow. If you’re wondering whether you can wear your hearing aids in the snow and rain, the answer is yes. Although most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are typically water resistant. This means your hearing aid can probably get a little wet, but it’s not a great idea to leave it that way longer than you have to.
- Be certain you have freshly charged batteries: Can hearing aid batteries freeze? Well, not really. But cold weather can drain your batteries faster than warm weather. So before you go out in the cold, be sure your battery is completely charged.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by using accessories.: There are all kinds of straps and clips you can use to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. This can be particularly significant if you’re engaged in strenuous activity, such as skiing, skating, or sledding.
- 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. Maybe you’re not certain how to eliminate moisture from your hearing aid. In the majority of cases, you can dry it off and then put it someplace dry and warm.
- Try donning a hat or earmuffs: Wearing earmuffs or a hat will keep both your ears and your hearing aid warm. And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more ideally they’ll be working. Your next question may be: can I wear ear muffs over 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.
Maybe you’re wondering how to protect your hearing aids when it gets cold. Well, now you have some answers.
If your hearing aid quits working, what should you do?
Of course, even in the best weather conditions, your hearing aid might occasionally stop working. There are a few basic troubleshooting measures you can take (for example, ensure the batteries are charged and that your devices are good and dry). If you still aren’t able to determine why they aren’t working, we should be able to help you with that.
Don’t let cold weather keep you from enjoying life!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s reasonable that you would want to stay inside. Perhaps you’re not a winter person. Possibly you’re going to cook yourself some yummy hot soup. Maybe snowmobiles aren’t your jam. What’s important here is not to let issues with your hearing aid diminish your quality of life, even when it’s winter.
That’s particularly true if you take care of your devices, and follow the guidelines outlined above. Call us if you have any concerns about how your hearing aids might be effected by the cold.
