Lots of individuals really love winter! Alright, it can definitely be a bummer if you have to get anywhere. Or if you don’t have the correct gear (or proper infrastructure). But during those cold winter months, you can find lots of fun things to do.
Still not convinced? Well, here are just a few examples of how cold weather can be fun: you could go sledding or skiing. You could go for a snowmobile ride. Or you could get a pair of ice skates and spend some time out on the ice. With the proper 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 that’s a significant caveat: you need the right gear to stay comfortable. Maybe you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be impacted by the cold. Or can cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Most hearing aids are designed to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are designed to be used full-time. They’re constructed so you can wear them to the supermarket, out on a hike, or just around the house. The manufacturers of these devices understand that they need to have a resilient construction. We don’t suggest you do anything drastic with your hearing aids, just keep in mind that they’re designed to accompany you throughout your normal daily activities.
Most hearing aids are designed to be basically “all weather” as a result. Most hearing aids can operate quite well between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad spectrum of temperature possibilities (though there are some places, especially up north, that will occasionally get colder than -13 degrees).
Which is a good thing! It means you’ll be able to hear in most environments. 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 might operate, they might not operate at their best.
Guidelines for hearing aids in the winter
You can keep your hearing aids functioning at close to peak efficiency if you take a few steps.
- We can help ensure your hearing aid fits properly: At times, when they get really cold, hearing aids can become uncomfortable. Talk to us about the fit of your devices in order to give yourself the chance to minimize discomfort.
- When you’re not using your hearing aids, keep them in a dry and warm place: This will help prevent moisture from causing problems with your hearing aids. You’re probably asking: “How do I eliminate moisture from my hearing aids”? In most instances, you can dry it off and then leave it someplace warm and dry.
- Check your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Hearing aid batteries don’t necessarily freeze but they will drain quicker in the cold. This means you’ll want to make sure you have a full charge before going out into any severe weather.
- Try not to get your hearing aids wet: When snow melts, it’s wet, so be mindful about exposing your hearing aids to snow. If you’re wondering whether you can use your hearing aids in the snow and rain, the answer is yes. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not necessarily waterproof. So while your hearing aid will most likely be fine if it gets a bit wet, you should dry it as soon as possible.
- Try donning a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears warm, it’ll keep your hearing aids warm, as well! And your hearing aids will work at their maximum level if they’re warm. Perhaps you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still function if you have earmuffs over them. Well, it depends on the hearing aid, but in most cases, your hearing aids will still keep working.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by utilizing accessories.: There are all kinds of straps and clips you can make use of to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. If you’re doing any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is particularly relevant.
Perhaps you’re wondering how to protect your hearing aids when it gets cold. Well, now you’ve got some answers.
What should you do if your hearing aids stop working?
Of course, even in the best possible weather conditions, your hearing aid might occasionally stop working. There are a few basic troubleshooting steps you can take (make sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for instance). If you still aren’t able to determine why they aren’t working, we should be able to help you with that.
Don’t let cold weather keep you from enjoying life!
There are plenty of reasons why you may want to stay indoors when it’s -10 degrees outside. Maybe you’re not a winter person. Perhaps a delicious hot bowl of soup would do the trick. Possibly snowmobiles aren’t your jam. What’s essential here is not to let problems with your hearing aid impact your quality of life, even during the winter.
That’s particularly true if you take care of your devices, and follow the guidelines outlined above. If you have any questions about how cold weather may impact the performance of your hearing aids, talk to us today!
