In contrast to popular belief, winter is fun! Alright, it can certainly be a bummer if you have to go somewhere. Or if you’re not properly prepared. But there are lots of fun things to do in those chillier winter months.
Still not convinced? Skiing and sledding aren’t the only fun things you can do in the winter. You could have some fun on a snowmobile! Or you could get a pair of ice skates and spend some time out on the ice. You can enjoy being outside in the winter just as much as the summer, spring, or, fall if you have the proper gear.
But the secret here is using the appropriate gear. You might be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold air affect my hearing aids? Will the cold damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be okay in any weather
Hearing aids are made to be used full-time. They’re meant to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. Which means that hearing aid makers are aware that these devices may take a beating. We don’t suggest you do anything drastic with your hearing aids, just keep in mind that they’re manufactured to accompany you throughout your normal daily activities.
As a result, most hearing aids are designed to be somewhat “all-weather”. The safe temperature range for most hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad spectrum of temperature possibilities (even 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 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 may operate, they may not work 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 work at peak efficiency (or near enough) even in cold weather.
- Keep your hearing aids someplace warm and dry when you aren’t using them: Your hearing aid will work better and with fewer problems if you keep moisture out of it. You’re probably asking: “How do I eliminate moisture from my hearing aids”? Usually, you can wipe it down and allow it to air dry in a warm spot.
- Letting your hearing aids get wet isn’t a smart idea: Be cautious not to get snow on your hearing aid because when snow melts, things get wet. If you’re wondering whether you can wear your hearing aids in the rain or snow, the answer is yes. Even though most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are usually water resistant. So while your hearing aid will most likely be okay if it gets a little wet, you should dry it as soon as you can.
- It helps to wear earmuffs or a hat: Wearing a hat or earmuffs will keep both your ears and your hearing aid cozy. And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more optimally they’ll be working. Maybe you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still work 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.: There are all kinds of straps and clips you can use to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. If you’re participating in any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is specifically relevant.
- 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 opportunity to lessen discomfort.
- Monitor your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Hearing aid batteries don’t generally freeze but they will drain quicker in the cold. This means you’ll want to be certain you have a full charge before heading out into any severe weather.
Maybe you’re wondering how to safeguard your hearing aids when it gets cold. That’s exactly what we’re going to explore.
What should you do if your hearing aids quit working?
Of course, even in the best possible weather conditions, your hearing aid might occasionally stop working. You can take a few basic steps to troubleshoot your device (for instance, ensure the batteries are charged and that your devices are good and dry). If you still can’t figure out 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 a lot of reasons why you may want to stay indoors when it’s -10 degrees outside. Maybe you aren’t a winter person. Possibly you’re going to cook yourself some yummy warm soup. Maybe you’re not 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 observe the tips above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is especially true. If you have any questions about how cold weather might effect the performance of your hearing aids, talk to us today!
