Lots of individuals really love winter! Okay, it can certainly be a bummer if you need to go anywhere. Or if you don’t have the correct gear (or proper infrastructure). But during those cold winter months, you can find plenty of enjoyable things to do.
Don’t believe it? Sledding and skiing aren’t the only enjoyable 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 a little time out on the ice. You can enjoy being outdoors in the winter just as much as the summer, spring, or, fall if you have the right gear.
But that’s an important caveat: you need the correct gear to stay comfortable. You might be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold air impact 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 designed to be used full-time. They’re designed to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers are aware that these devices might 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 tasks.
Most hearing aids are designed to be basically “all weather” as a result. The safe temperature range for most hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. There are some places that will sometimes go below -13 but otherwise, that covers the broad range of temperatures.
Which is a good thing! It means you’ll be capable of hearing in most settings. Now, you might be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids work as well in the cold? Well, drops in temperature will put strain on your devices, so while they might function, they might not work optimally.
Guidelines for hearing aids in the winter
Luckily, there are certain things you can do to help ensure your hearing aids continue to work at maximum efficiency (or close enough) even in cold weather.
- Be certain you have freshly charged batteries: Can hearing aid batteries freeze? Well, not really. But cold weather can kill your batteries faster than warm weather. So before you go out in the cold, make sure your battery is completely charged.
- Speak with us about the fit of your hearing aids: Hearing aids can sometimes be uncomfortable when they’re cold. Talk to us about the fit of your devices in order to give yourself the chance to decrease discomfort.
- Try not to let your hearing aid wet: When snow melts, it becomes water, so be cautious about exposing your hearing aids to snow. If you’re wondering whether you can use your hearing aids in the rain or snow, the answer is yes. Though most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are normally water resistant. This means your hearing aid can probably get a little wet, but it’s not a great idea to leave it that way longer than necessary.
- Try wearing a hat or earmuffs: Wearing a hat or earmuffs will keep both your ears and your hearing aid toasty. And your hearing aids will operate 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 still work just fine with earmuffs on.
- When you aren’t wearing your hearing aids, keep them in a dry and warm spot: This will help prevent moisture from causing problems with your hearing aids. You’re probably asking: “How do I remove moisture from my hearing aids”? In most situations, you can dry it off and then leave it somewhere warm and dry.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by utilizing accessories.: In order to ensure your hearing aids remain securely in place in your ears you can utilize one of many available straps or clips. If you’re doing any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is especially true.
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 stop working?
Occasionally, unfortunately, your hearing aid will stop working even when the weather is warm and dry. There are a few basic troubleshooting measures you can take (for example, make sure 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 stop you from enjoying life!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s understandable that you would want to stay inside. Perhaps you’re not a winter person. Maybe a delicious warm bowl of soup would do the trick. Possibly snowmobiles aren’t your jam. What’s important here is not to let issues with your hearing aid diminish your quality of life, even during the 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 impact the performance of your hearing aids, talk to us today!
