Contrary to popular belief, winter is fun! Okay, it can certainly be a bummer if you need to get anywhere. Or if you aren’t properly prepared. But there are lots of fun things to do in those chillier winter months.
Still not convinced? Skiing and sledding aren’t the only enjoyable things you can do in the winter. You could have a good time 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 autumn (and the hot chocolate is so much more satisfying when you’ve been outdoors in the cold).
But the key here is using the right gear. Perhaps you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be impacted 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 designed to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. The manufacturers of these devices are well aware that they need to have a resilient construction. But just because hearing aids are meant to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything extreme with them.
As a result, most hearing aids are made to be somewhat “all-weather”. Most hearing aids can operate quite nicely between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. There are some places that will sometimes go below -13 but otherwise, that covers the broad spectrum of temperatures.
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? Well, drops in temperature will put stress on your devices, so while they might function, they might not operate optimally.
Some winter hearing aid advice
You can keep your hearing aids working at close to peak efficiency if you take a few measures.
- Use accessories to keep your hearing aids strapped to your ears: There are all kinds of straps and clips you can make use of to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. This can be particularly important if you’re engaged in strenuous activity, such as skiing, skating, or sledding.
- 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 heading out into any inclement weather.
- Letting your hearing aids get wet isn’t a good idea: Be cautious not to get snow on your hearing aid because when snow melts, things get wet. If you’re going to ask, “Well, can I use hearing aids when it’s snowing or raining”? Yes, you can. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not usually waterproof. So while your hearing aid will most likely be okay if it gets a little wet, you should dry it as soon as you can.
- When you’re not wearing your hearing aids, store them in a dry and warm spot: Your hearing aid will function 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”? In the majority of instances, you can dry it off and then leave it someplace dry and warm.
- Try donning a hat or earmuffs: Wearing a hat or earmuffs will keep both your ears and your hearing aid warm. And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more optimally they’ll be functioning. Maybe you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still function if you have earmuffs over them. Most hearing aids will still work just fine with earmuffs on.
- Speak with us about how your hearing aids are fitting: At times, when they get really cold, hearing aids can become uncomfortable. Minimize any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
So, if you’re wondering: how can I safeguard my hearing aids in the winter? Well, now you’ve got some answers.
What should you do if your hearing aids stop working?
Of course, even in the optimal weather conditions, your hearing aid may occasionally quit working. You can take a few basic steps to troubleshoot your device (for instance, make sure the batteries are charged and that your devices are good and dry). If you still can’t figure out why they’re not working, we should be able to assist you with that.
You can still enjoy life even in the cold!
There are a lot 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 yummy warm soup. Perhaps you’re not a big fan of snowmobiles. What’s essential here is not to let issues with your hearing aid diminish your quality of life, even during the winter.
That’s especially true if you take care of your devices, and observe the guidelines outlined above. If you have any questions about how cold weather may effect the performance of your hearing aids, call us today!