Lots of individuals really enjoy winter! Well, if you need to go somewhere, it can certainly 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.
Don’t believe us? Well, here are only a few examples of how cold weather can be enjoyable: you could go sledding or skiing. You could have some fun on a snowmobile! You could go out onto the ice for some ice skating or ice fishing. With the proper gear, winter can be just as much of an outdoor season as spring, summer, or fall (and the hot cocoa is so much more satisfying when you’ve been outside in the cold).
But the secret here is having the right gear. You might be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold air impact my hearing aids? Or can cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Most hearing aids are designed to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are meant to be used full-time. They’re meant to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers are aware that these devices might take a beating. But just because hearing aids are designed to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything drastic with them.
Most 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 spots that will sometimes go below -13 but otherwise, that covers the broad spectrum of temperatures.
You will be able to hear well in the majority of settings and that’s a wonderful thing. Now, you may be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids work as well in the cold? Well, drops in temperature will put stress on your devices, so while they may operate, they may not work optimally.
Some winter hearing aid guidelines
You can keep your hearing aids working at close to maximum efficiency if you take a few steps.
- Try not to let your hearing aid 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 raining or snowing”? Yes, you can. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not necessarily waterproof. This means your hearing aid can most likely get a bit wet, but it’s not a very good idea to leave it that way longer than necessary.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits properly: Hearing aids can sometimes be uncomfortable when they’re cold. Minimize any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- When you aren’t wearing your hearing aids, store them in a dry and warm spot: This will help prevent moisture from causing issues with your hearing aids. You’re most likely asking: “How do I eliminate moisture from my hearing aids”? Normally, you can wipe it down and allow it to air dry in a warm spot.
- Use accessories to keep your hearing aids strapped to your ears: In order to ensure your hearing aids stay securely in place in your ears you can utilize one of many available straps or clips. If you’re participating in any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is particularly relevant.
- It helps to wear earmuffs or a hat: Not only will this keep your ears cozy, it’ll keep your hearing aids toasty, too! And your hearing aids will operate at their maximum level if they’re warm. Your next question may be: can I wear ear muffs on top of my hearing aid without impacting my hearing? Most hearing aids will still work just fine with earmuffs on.
- Be certain you have freshly charged batteries: Hearing aid batteries don’t generally freeze but they will drain quicker in the cold. So before you go out in the cold, be sure your battery is completely charged.
Maybe you’re wondering how to protect your hearing aids when it gets cold. That’s precisely what we’re going to explore.
If your hearing aid stops working, what should you do?
Occasionally, unfortunately, your hearing aid will stop working even when the weather is warm and dry. There are a few standard troubleshooting measures 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 identify the cause of the problem and the best way to fix it.
Don’t let cold weather keep you from enjoying life!
There are lots of reasons why you might want to stay indoors when it’s -10 degrees outside. Perhaps you don’t like the cold. Perhaps a nice hot bowl of soup would do the trick. Maybe you’re not a big fan of snowmobiles. What’s important here is not to let problems with your hearing aid diminish your quality of life, even when it’s winter.
That’s especially true if you take care of your devices, and observe the guidelines outlined above. If you have any questions about how cold weather might effect the performance of your hearing aids, talk to us today!