Lots of individuals really love winter! Well, if you have to go somewhere, it can certainly be a challenge. Or if you aren’t properly prepared. But there are lots of fun things to do in those chillier winter months.
Don’t believe it? Skiing and sledding aren’t the only enjoyable things you can do in the winter. You could have some fun on a snowmobile! Or you could grab a pair of ice skates and spend some time out on the ice. With the right gear, winter can be just as much of an outdoor season as spring, summer, or fall (and the hot chocolate is so much more rewarding when you’ve been outside in the cold).
But that’s a significant caveat: you need the proper gear to stay comfortable. You may be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold air affect my hearing aids? Or can cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be fine in any weather
Hearing aids are designed to be used full-time. They’re designed to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. Which means that hearing aid makers are aware that these devices may take a pounding. We don’t suggest you do anything drastic with your hearing aids, just keep in mind that they’re made to go along with you throughout your normal daily activities.
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. 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 most settings and that’s a wonderful thing. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s really cold? Well, drops in temperature will put stress on your devices, so while they may work, they may not operate optimally.
Some winter hearing aid guidelines
You can keep your hearing aids operating at near maximum efficiency if you take a few measures.
- It helps to wear earmuffs or a hat: Wearing earmuffs or a hat will keep both your ears and your hearing aid cozy. And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more optimally they’ll be functioning. Perhaps 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.
- Make sure you have freshly charged batteries: Hearing aid batteries don’t generally freeze but they will drain quicker in the cold. This means you’ll want to make sure you have a full charge before heading out into any severe weather.
- Speak with us about how your hearing aids are fitting: Hearing aids can sometimes become uncomfortable when they’re cold. Reduce any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- Utilize accessories to keep your hearing aids secured to your ears: There are all kinds of straps and clips you can use to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. This can be especially significant if you’re engaged in strenuous activity, such as skiing, skating, or sledding.
- Try not to get your hearing aids wet: When snow melts, it’s wet, so be careful about exposing your hearing aids to snow. If you’re going to ask, “Well, can I wear hearing aids when it’s snowing or raining”? Yes, you can. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not necessarily waterproof. 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 you have to.
- When you aren’t wearing your hearing aids, store them in a dry and warm place: This will help prevent moisture from causing problems with your hearing aids. You’re most likely asking: “How do I eliminate moisture from my hearing aids”? In the majority of instances, you can dry it off and then put it someplace warm and dry.
So, if you’re wondering: how can I protect my hearing aids in the winter? That’s exactly what we’re going to explore.
If your hearing aid quits 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 measures to troubleshoot your device (for example, ensure the batteries are charged and that your devices are nice and dry). But if those steps aren’t helpful, we should be able to help you determine the cause of the issue and the best way to fix it.
You can still enjoy life even in the cold!
There are a lot of reasons why you may want to stay inside when it’s -10 degrees outside. Maybe you don’t enjoy the cold. Maybe you’re going to cook yourself some nice hot soup. Maybe 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. Give us a call if you have any concerns about how your hearing aids may be impacted by the cold.