Lots of individuals really love winter! Well, if you have to go somewhere, it can definitely be difficult. Or if you aren’t properly prepared. But there are lots of fun things to do in those colder 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! You could head out onto the ice for some ice skating or ice fishing. You can enjoy being outdoors in the winter just as much as the summer, spring, or, autumn if you have the correct gear.
But the key here is using the appropriate gear. You might be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold weather impact my hearing aids? Or will cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be okay in any weather
Hearing aids are designed to be used on a daily basis. They’re constructed so you can wear them to the supermarket, out on a hike, or simply around the house. The makers of these devices are well aware that they need to have a resilient construction. We don’t recommend you do anything extreme with your hearing aids, just keep in mind that they’re made to go along with you throughout your normal daily tasks.
The majority of hearing aids are manufactured 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. There are some places that will sometimes get colder than -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 environments. Now, you might be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids function as well in the winter? Hearing aids will work in the cold, just perhaps not as well.
Guidelines for hearing aids in the winter
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help make sure your hearing aids continue to work at maximum efficiency (or near enough) even in cold weather.
- Keep your hearing aids somewhere warm and dry when you aren’t using them: Your hearing aid will function better and with fewer problems if you keep moisture out of it. You’re most likely asking: “How do I remove moisture from my hearing aids”? In most cases, you can wipe it down and let it air dry in a warm spot.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits properly: Hearing aids can sometimes be uncomfortable when they’re cold. Talk to us about the fit of your devices in order to give yourself the opportunity to decrease discomfort.
- Letting your hearing aids get wet isn’t a good idea: When snow melts, it becomes water, so be mindful 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. Even though most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are typically water resistant. This means your hearing aid can most likely get a little wet, but it’s not a great idea to leave it that way longer than necessary.
- Make use of accessories to keep your hearing aids strapped to your ears: In order to ensure your hearing aids remain securely in place in your ears you can make use of one of many available clips or straps. This can be especially relevant if you’re involved in strenuous activity, such as skiing, skating, or sledding.
- Be certain you have freshly charged batteries: Hearing aid batteries don’t necessarily freeze but they will drain quicker in the cold. So before you go out in the cold, make sure your battery is completely charged.
- Try wearing a hat or earmuffs: Wearing earmuffs or a hat will keep both your ears and your hearing aid warm. And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more optimally they’ll be working. Your next question might be: can I wear ear muffs on top of my hearing aid without affecting my hearing? Most hearing aids will still work just fine with earmuffs on.
So, if you’re wondering: how can I protect my hearing aids in the winter? Well, now you have some answers.
If your hearing aid quits working, what should you do?
Of course, even in the best weather conditions, your hearing aid may occasionally stop working. There are a few practical troubleshooting steps you can take (make sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for example). 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 when it’s cold!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s reasonable that you would want to stay indoors. Maybe you’re not a winter person. Possibly you’re going to cook yourself some nice hot soup. Maybe snowmobiles aren’t your jam. What’s important here is not to let problems with your hearing aid diminish your quality of life, even during the winter.
If you follow the guidelines above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is especially true. If you have any questions about how cold weather may impact the performance of your hearing aids, talk to us today!