Lots of people really love winter! Well, if you need to go somewhere, it can definitely be a challenge. Or if you’re not properly prepared. But during those chilly winter months, you can find lots of fun things to do.
Still not convinced? Sledding and skiing aren’t the only enjoyable things you can do in the winter. You could take a snowmobile ride. You could go out onto the ice for some ice skating or ice fishing. You can enjoy being outside in the winter just as much as the summer, spring, or, autumn if you have the right gear.
But that’s a major caveat: you need the correct gear to remain comfortable. You might be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold weather impact my hearing aids? 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 made to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. The manufacturers of these devices understand that they need to have a resilient construction. We don’t suggest you do anything extreme with your hearing aids, just remember that they’re made to go along with you throughout your normal daily activities.
Consequently, most hearing aids are made to be somewhat “all-weather”. The safe temperature range for the majority of hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad spectrum of temperature possibilities (though there are some places, especially up north, that will sometimes get colder than -13 degrees).
You will be able to hear well in the majority of settings and that’s a wonderful thing. Now, you might be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids work as well in the winter? Well, drops in temperature will put strain on your devices, so while they might function, they might not operate at their best.
Tips for hearing aids in the winter
You can keep your hearing aids working at close to maximum efficiency if you take a few measures.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits properly: Hearing aids can sometimes be uncomfortable when they’re cold. Decrease any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- Keep your hearing aids somewhere warm and dry when you aren’t wearing them: Your hearing aid will function better and with fewer problems if you keep moisture out of it. You’re probably asking: “How do I eliminate moisture from my hearing aids”? In most situations, you can dry it off and then put it somewhere dry and warm.
- Make use of accessories to keep your hearing aids strapped to your ears: There are all manner of straps and clips you can use to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. This can be particularly relevant if you’re involved in strenuous activity, including skiing, skating, or sledding.
- Be certain you have freshly charged batteries: Hearing aid batteries don’t generally freeze but they will drain faster in the cold. So before you go out in the cold, be sure your battery is completely charged.
- Getting your hearing aid wet isn’t a good idea: Be careful 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 raining or snowing”? Yes, you can. Although most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are typically water resistant. So while your hearing aid will probably be okay if it gets a bit wet, you should dry it as soon as possible.
- Try wearing a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears warm, it’ll keep your hearing aids warm, as well! And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more optimally they’ll be working. Perhaps you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still work if you have earmuffs over them. Most hearing aids will still work just fine with earmuffs on.
So, if you’re wondering: how do I protect my hearing aids in the winter? Well, now you have some answers.
What should you do if your hearing aids quit working?
Sometimes, unfortunately, your hearing aid will quit working even when the weather is warm and dry. There are a few basic troubleshooting steps you can take (for example, 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.
Don’t let cold weather keep you from enjoying life!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s understandable that you would want to stay indoors. Maybe you aren’t a winter person. Perhaps a delicious warm bowl of soup would do the trick. Maybe you aren’t a big fan of snowmobiles. What’s essential here is not to let problems with your hearing aid impact your quality of life, even when it’s winter.
If you observe the guidelines above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is particularly true. If you have any questions about how cold weather may impact the performance of your hearing aids, talk to us today!