Contrary to popular belief, winter is fun! Well, if you have to go somewhere, it can definitely be difficult. Or if you don’t have the correct gear (or proper infrastructure). But there are lots of fun things to do in those chillier winter months.
Still not convinced? Skiing and sledding aren’t the only enjoyable things you can do in the winter. You could go for a snowmobile ride. You could go 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, fall if you have the proper gear.
But the key here is using the appropriate gear. Maybe you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be impacted by the cold. Or will 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 grocery store, out on a hike, or simply around the house. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers understand that these devices might take a pounding. But just because hearing aids are meant to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything extreme with them.
The majority of hearing aids are built to be basically “all weather” as a result. Most hearing aids can operate quite nicely between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad range of temperature possibilities (even though there are some places, especially up north, that will sometimes get colder than -13 degrees).
You will be capable of hearing well in most environments 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 cold? Hearing aids will function in the cold, just maybe not as well.
Tips for hearing aids in the winter
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help ensure your hearing aids continue to work at maximum efficiency (or near enough) even in cold weather.
- Be certain 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 heading out into any inclement weather.
- Consult us about the fit of your hearing aids: Hearing aids can sometimes become uncomfortable when they’re cold. Decrease any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- Try not to let your hearing aid wet: When snow melts, it’s wet, 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 necessarily waterproof. This means your hearing aid can probably get a bit wet, but it’s not a very good idea to leave it that way longer than necessary.
- It helps to wear 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. Perhaps you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still function if you have earmuffs over them. Most hearing aids will still work just fine with earmuffs on.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by using accessories.: In order to be sure your hearing aids stay securely in place in your ears you can utilize one of many available clips or straps. If you’re doing any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is especially relevant.
- Keep your hearing aids someplace warm and dry when you aren’t wearing them: Your hearing aid will work better and with fewer issues if you keep moisture out of it. You’re probably asking: “How do I remove moisture from my hearing aids”? Usually, you can wipe it down and let it air dry in a warm spot.
Maybe you’re wondering how to safeguard your hearing aids when it gets cold. Well, now you have some answers.
What should you do if your hearing aids quit working?
Of course, even in the best possible weather conditions, your hearing aid might occasionally quit working. You can take a few basic steps to troubleshoot your device (be sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for example). But if those steps don’t help, 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 in the cold!
There are plenty of reasons why you might want to stay inside when it’s -10 degrees outside. Maybe you aren’t a winter person. Maybe you’re going to cook yourself some nice hot soup. Possibly snowmobiles aren’t your jam. The essential thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are stopping you from living your best winter life.
If you observe the tips above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is particularly true. Contact us if you have any questions about how your hearing aids might be effected by the cold.