Lots of individuals really enjoy winter! Alright, it can definitely be a bummer if you have to get anywhere. Or if you don’t have the correct gear (or proper infrastructure). But during those cold winter months, you can find lots of enjoyable things to do.
Still not convinced? Well, here are just a few instances of how cold weather can be enjoyable: you could go sledding or skiing. 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 outside in the winter just as much as the summer, spring, or, autumn if you have the proper gear.
But the secret here is using the right gear. You may 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 designed to be used on a daily basis. They’re built so you can wear them to the supermarket, out on a hike, or just around the house. Which means that hearing aid makers understand 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 extreme with them.
Consequently, most hearing aids are manufactured to be somewhat “all-weather”. The safe temperature range for most hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. There are some places that will sometimes get colder than -13 but usually, that covers the broad spectrum of temperatures.
Which is a good thing! It means you’ll be capable of hearing in most settings. Now, you may be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids work as well in the cold? Hearing aids will work in the cold, just maybe not as well.
Guidelines for hearing aids in the winter
You can keep your hearing aids working at near maximum efficiency if you take a few steps.
- Letting your hearing aids get wet isn’t a smart idea: When snow melts, it becomes water, so be careful about exposing your hearing aids to snow. If you’re wondering whether you can use your hearing aids in the snow and rain, 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 fine if it gets a little wet, you should dry it as soon as possible.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits properly: Sometimes, when they get really cold, hearing aids can be uncomfortable. Decrease any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by utilizing accessories.: In order to make sure your hearing aids remain securely in place in your ears you can utilize one of many available clips or straps. This can be especially important if you’re engaged in strenuous activity, like skiing, skating, or sledding.
- Check your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Can 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.
- 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 most likely asking: “How do I remove moisture from my hearing aids”? In the majority of situations, you can dry it off and then put it somewhere warm and dry.
- It’s helpful to wear a hat or earmuffs: Wearing a hat or earmuffs will keep both your ears and your hearing aid toasty. 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. Well, it depends on the hearing aid, but in most cases, your hearing aids will still keep working.
Maybe you’re wondering how to protect your hearing aids when it gets cold. Well, now you’ve got some answers.
What should you do if your hearing aids quit working?
Of course, even in the best possible weather conditions, your hearing aid may occasionally quit working. There are a few standard troubleshooting steps you can take (be sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for instance). If you still can’t determine why they’re not working, we should be able to assist you with that.
You can still enjoy life even in the cold!
There are lots of reasons why you may want to stay inside when it’s -10 degrees outside. Maybe you’re not a winter person. Maybe you’re going to make yourself some nice warm soup. Possibly snowmobiles aren’t your jam. 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 guidelines above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is particularly true. Give us a call if you have any concerns about how your hearing aids might be impacted by the cold.
