Contrary to popular belief, winter is fun! Well, if you have to go somewhere, it can definitely be a challenge. Or if you’re not properly prepared. But during those cold winter months, you can find lots of fun things to do.
Still not convinced? Well, here are only a few examples of how cold weather can be fun: 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. With the right gear, winter can be just as much of an outdoor season as spring, summer, or autumn (and the hot cocoa is so much more satisfying when you’ve been outdoors in the cold).
But the secret here is using the right gear. Perhaps 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 made to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are made to be used every day. They’re constructed so you can wear them to the supermarket, out on a hike, or just around the house. The makers of these devices are well aware that they need to have a robust construction. We don’t suggest you do anything drastic with your hearing aids, just remember that they’re designed to go along with you throughout your normal daily activities.
Most hearing aids are manufactured to be basically “all weather” as a result. Most hearing aids can operate quite nicely between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. There are some places that will sometimes go below -13 but otherwise, that covers the broad range of temperatures.
Which is a good thing! It means you’ll be able to hear in most settings. Now, you might be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids function as well in the cold? Well, drops in temperature will put stress on your devices, so while they might operate, they may not operate optimally.
Guidelines for hearing aids in the winter
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help make sure your hearing aids continue to function at peak efficiency (or near enough) even in cold weather.
- When you aren’t wearing your hearing aids, keep them in a dry and warm place: This will help stop moisture from causing issues with your hearing aids. Maybe you’re not sure how to eliminate moisture from your hearing aid. In the majority of situations, you can dry it off and then leave it someplace warm and dry.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits correctly: 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.
- Monitor your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Do hearing aid batteries freeze? Well, not really. But cold weather can drain 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.
- Try not to get your hearing aids wet: When snow melts, it becomes water, so be careful about exposing your hearing aids to snow. If you’re wondering whether you can wear your hearing aids in the snow and rain, the answer is yes. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not usually waterproof. This means your hearing aid can probably get a little wet, but it’s not a great idea to leave it that way longer than you have to.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by making use of accessories.: There are all kinds of straps and clips you can make use of to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. This can be especially relevant if you’re engaged in strenuous activity, like skiing, skating, or sledding.
- It helps to wear earmuffs or a hat: Not only will this keep your ears warm, it’ll keep your hearing aids toasty, also! 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. Well, it depends on the hearing aid, but in most cases, your hearing aids will still continue to work.
Maybe 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?
Sometimes, unfortunately, your hearing aid will quit working even when the weather is warm and dry. There are a few basic troubleshooting measures you can take (be sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for instance). 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.
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 inside. Maybe you don’t like the cold. Possibly you’re going to make yourself some yummy hot soup. Perhaps you aren’t a big fan of snowmobiles. The important thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are stopping you from living your best winter life.
If you follow the tips 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!
