Lots of individuals really enjoy winter! Alright, it can certainly be a bummer if you have to go anywhere. Or if you don’t have the correct gear (or proper infrastructure). But during those chilly winter months, you can find lots of fun things to do.
Don’t believe it? Sledding and skiing 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. You can enjoy being outdoors in the winter just as much as the summer, spring, or, autumn if you have the correct gear.
But that’s a significant caveat: you need the correct gear to stay comfortable. You might be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold air impact my hearing aids? Can the cold 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 constructed so you can wear them to the supermarket, out for a hike, or just around the house. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers understand that these devices may take a beating. But just because hearing aids are designed to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything extreme with them.
Most hearing aids are designed to be basically “all weather” as a result. The safe temperature range for the majority of hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. There are some spots that will sometimes get colder than -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. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s very cold? Hearing aids will work in the cold, just maybe not as well.
Some winter hearing aid tips
Luckily, there are certain things you can do to help ensure your hearing aids continue to function at maximum efficiency (or near enough) even in cold weather.
- 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 going to ask, “Well, can I wear hearing aids when it’s raining or snowing”? Yes, you can. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not usually waterproof. This means your hearing aid can probably get a bit wet, but it’s not a very good 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 kill your batteries faster than warm weather. So before you go out in the cold, make sure your battery is completely charged.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits properly: Sometimes, 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.
- Use accessories to keep your hearing aids strapped to your ears: In order to make sure your hearing aids remain securely in place in your ears you can make use of one of many available clips or straps. If you’re doing any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is especially true.
- When you aren’t using your hearing aids, keep them in a dry and warm spot: Your hearing aid will function better and with fewer problems if you keep moisture out of it. You’re probably asking: “How do I remove moisture from my hearing aids”? In most cases, you can wipe it down and allow it to air dry in a warm spot.
- Try donning a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears warm, it’ll keep your hearing aids warm, too! And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more optimally 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 continue to work.
So, if you’re wondering: how do I safeguard my hearing aids in the winter? That’s exactly what we’re going to find out.
What should you do if your hearing aids quit working?
Sometimes, unfortunately, your hearing aid will stop working even when the weather is warm and dry. There are a few practical troubleshooting measures you can take (for instance, ensure the batteries are charged and that your devices are nice and dry). If you still aren’t able to determine why they’re not working, we should be able to assist you with that.
Don’t let cold weather keep you from enjoying life!
There are lots of reasons why you may want to stay inside when it’s -10 degrees outside. Perhaps you’re not a winter person. Perhaps a nice hot bowl of soup would hit the spot. Possibly snowmobiles aren’t your jam. What’s important here is not to let issues with your hearing aid impact your quality of life, even during the winter.
If you observe the guidelines 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.