Lots of people really love winter! Alright, it can certainly be a bummer if you have to go somewhere. Or if you aren’t properly prepared. But there are plenty of fun things to do in those chillier winter months.
Still not convinced? Well, here are just a few instances of how cold weather can be enjoyable: you could go skiing or sledding. You could have a good time on a snowmobile! Or you could get a pair of ice skates and spend a little time out on the ice. You can enjoy being outdoors in the winter just as much as the summer, spring, or, fall if you have the right gear.
But the key here is using the right gear. You may 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 designed to be used every day. They’re built so you can wear them to the grocery store, out on a hike, or just around the house. 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 remember that they’re designed to accompany you throughout your normal daily tasks.
Consequently, most hearing aids are designed to be somewhat “all-weather”. The safe temperature range for most hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad spectrum of temperature possibilities (although there are some places, especially up north, that will sometimes get colder than -13 degrees).
Which is a good thing! It means you’ll be able to hear in most settings. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s very cold? Well, drops in temperature will put strain on your devices, so while they might operate, they might not work optimally.
Guidelines for hearing aids in the winter
You can keep your hearing aids functioning at close to maximum efficiency if you take a few measures.
- It’s helpful to wear a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears cozy, it’ll keep your hearing aids warm, too! And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more ideally they’ll be working. Your next question might be: can I wear ear muffs over my hearing aid without impacting my hearing? Most hearing aids will continue to work just fine with earmuffs on.
- Make sure you have freshly charged batteries: Do 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 certain you have a full charge before going out into any severe weather.
- When you’re not using your hearing aids, store them in a dry and warm spot: This will help stop moisture from causing problems with your hearing aids. You’re probably asking: “How do I remove moisture from my hearing aids”? In the majority of instances, you can dry it off and then leave it somewhere warm and dry.
- Try not to get your hearing aids wet: 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 snowing or raining”? Yes, you can. Although most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are normally water resistant. So while your hearing aid will probably be fine if it gets a bit wet, you should dry it as soon as possible.
- Use accessories to keep your hearing aids strapped to your ears: There are all manner of straps and clips you can make use of to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. This can be particularly relevant if you’re engaged in strenuous activity, like skiing, skating, or sledding.
- We can help ensure your hearing aid fits properly: Hearing aids can sometimes be uncomfortable when they’re cold. Reduce any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
Perhaps you’re wondering how to safeguard your hearing aids when it gets cold. That’s precisely what we’re going to find out.
If your hearing aid quits working, what should you do?
Occasionally, unfortunately, your hearing aid will quit working even when the weather is warm and dry. You can take a few basic measures to troubleshoot your device (for example, make sure the batteries are charged and that your devices are nice and dry). If you still can’t determine why they aren’t working, we should be able to assist you with that.
You can still enjoy life even when it’s cold!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s reasonable that you would want to stay indoors. Maybe you don’t like the cold. Maybe a nice hot bowl of soup would hit the spot. Perhaps you aren’t a big fan of snowmobiles. The essential thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are stopping you from living your greatest winter life.
If you follow the tips above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is especially true. Call us if you have any questions about how your hearing aids may be effected by the cold.