Contrary to popular opinion, winter is fun! Well, if you have to go somewhere, it can certainly be a challenge. Or if you don’t have the proper gear (or proper infrastructure). But there are plenty of fun things to do in those chillier winter months.
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 have some fun on a snowmobile! Or you could grab a pair of ice skates and spend a little time out on the ice. With the correct gear, winter can be just as much of an outdoor season as spring, summer, or fall (and the hot chocolate is so much more satisfying when you’ve been outdoors in the cold).
But that’s a major caveat: you need the correct gear to remain comfortable. You might be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold weather impact my hearing aids? Or can cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be fine in any weather
Hearing aids are manufactured to be used on a daily basis. They’re designed to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. The manufacturers of these devices are well aware that they need to have a robust construction. We don’t suggest you do anything extreme with your hearing aids, just remember that they’re manufactured to go along with you throughout your normal daily activities.
The majority of hearing aids are designed to be basically “all weather” as a result. Most hearing aids can function quite nicely between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad spectrum of temperature possibilities (although there are some places, particularly up north, that will sometimes get colder than -13 degrees).
Which is a good thing! It means you’ll be capable of hearing in most settings. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s very cold? Hearing aids will function in the cold, just perhaps not as well.
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 function at maximum efficiency (or near enough) even in cold weather.
- 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 raining or snowing”? Yes, you can. Though most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are normally water resistant. So while your hearing aid will most likely be fine if it gets a bit wet, you should dry it as soon as possible.
- It helps to wear a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears warm, it’ll keep your hearing aids toasty, also! And your hearing aids will work at their optimal level if they’re warm. Perhaps you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still work if you have earmuffs over them. Most hearing aids will continue to work just fine with earmuffs on.
- Consult us about the fit of your hearing aids: Hearing aids can sometimes become uncomfortable when they’re cold. Talk to us about the fit of your devices to give yourself the chance to decrease discomfort.
- Use accessories to keep your hearing aids secured 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. This can be particularly relevant if you’re involved in strenuous activity, including skiing, skating, or sledding.
- Monitor 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 severe weather.
- Keep your hearing aids someplace warm and dry when you aren’t wearing them: This will help stop moisture from causing issues with your hearing aids. You’re probably asking: “How do I remove moisture from my hearing aids”? In most cases, you can wipe it down and allow it to air dry in a warm spot.
Maybe you’re wondering how to safeguard your hearing aids when it gets cold. Well, now you’ve got some answers.
If your hearing aid quits working, what should you do?
Sometimes, unfortunately, your hearing aid will quit working even when the weather is warm and dry. You can take a few basic measures to troubleshoot your device (for instance, ensure the batteries are charged and that your devices are good and dry). But if those steps aren’t helpful, we should be able to help you determine the cause of the problem and the best way to fix it.
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. Perhaps a nice hot bowl of soup would hit the spot. Maybe you’re not a big fan of snowmobiles. 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 guidelines above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is particularly true. If you have any questions about how cold weather might effect the performance of your hearing aids, talk to us today!