Lots of people really love winter! Okay, 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 there are plenty of fun things to do in those chillier winter months.
Don’t believe us? Skiing and sledding aren’t the only fun things you can do in the winter. You could take a snowmobile ride. 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 autumn (and the hot chocolate is so much more satisfying when you’ve been outdoors in the cold).
But the secret here is having the right gear. You may be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold weather impact my hearing aids? Can the cold damage my hearing aids?
Most hearing aids are manufactured to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are designed to be worn on a daily basis. They’re built so you can wear them to the grocery store, out on a hike, or just around the house. The manufacturers of these devices understand that they need to have a resilient construction. We don’t recommend you do anything drastic with your hearing aids, just keep in mind that they’re designed to accompany you throughout your normal daily tasks.
Most hearing aids are manufactured to be basically “all weather” as a result. Most hearing aids can function quite nicely between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. There are some places that will sometimes go below -13 but otherwise, that covers the broad spectrum of temperatures.
You will be able to hear well in most settings and that’s a wonderful thing. Now, you might be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids work as well in the winter? Well, drops in temperature will put stress on your devices, so while they might function, they might not work optimally.
Some winter hearing aid advice
Luckily, there are certain things you can do to help make sure your hearing aids continue to work at maximum efficiency (or near enough) even in cold weather.
- It’s helpful to wear earmuffs or a hat: Not only will this keep your ears warm, it’ll keep your hearing aids warm, also! And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more optimally they’ll be working. Your next question might be: can I wear ear muffs on top of my hearing aid without impacting my hearing? Well, it depends on the hearing aid, but in most cases, your hearing aids will still continue to work.
- Check your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Hearing aid batteries don’t generally freeze but they will drain faster in the cold. So before you go out in the cold, make sure your battery is completely charged.
- Make use of accessories to keep your hearing aids secured to your ears: There are all manner of straps and clips you can make use of to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. This can be especially significant if you’re engaged in strenuous activity, like skiing, skating, or sledding.
- 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 wondering whether you can wear your hearing aids in the rain or snow, the answer is yes. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not usually waterproof. This means your hearing aid can most likely get a little wet, but it’s not a very good idea to leave it that way longer than you have to.
- Consult us about how your hearing aids are fitting: Hearing aids can sometimes be uncomfortable when they’re cold. Speak with us about the fit of your devices to give yourself the opportunity to lessen discomfort.
- Keep your hearing aids somewhere warm and dry when you aren’t wearing them: Your hearing aid will work better and with fewer problems if you keep moisture out of it. Perhaps you’re not sure how to eliminate moisture from your hearing aid. Normally, you can wipe it down and allow it to air dry in a warm spot.
Maybe you’re wondering how to protect your hearing aids when it gets cold. That’s exactly what we’re going to find out.
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, make sure the batteries are charged and that your devices are good and dry). But if those steps don’t help, 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!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s reasonable that you would want to stay indoors. Maybe you don’t enjoy the cold. Maybe you’re going to make yourself some nice hot soup. Maybe you’re not a big fan of snowmobiles. What’s important here is not to let issues 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 follow the tips outlined above. Give us a call if you have any questions about how your hearing aids might be effected by the cold.
