Contrary to popular belief, winter is fun! Alright, it can certainly be a bummer if you have to go anywhere. Or if you don’t have the proper gear (or proper infrastructure). But during those cold winter months, you can find lots of enjoyable things to do.
Still not convinced? 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, autumn if you have the proper gear.
But that’s an important caveat: you need the proper gear to remain comfortable. Perhaps you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be effected by the cold. Can the cold damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be fine in any weather
Hearing aids are meant to be used full-time. They’re meant to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. The makers of these devices are well aware that they need to have a robust construction. But just because hearing aids are meant to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything extreme with them.
Most hearing aids are manufactured to be basically “all weather” as a result. Most hearing aids can operate quite nicely between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. There are some spots that will sometimes go below -13 but otherwise, that covers the broad range of temperatures.
You will be able to hear well in the majority of environments and that’s a wonderful thing. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s really cold? Hearing aids will work in the cold, just maybe not as well.
Guidelines for hearing aids in the winter
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help ensure your hearing aids continue to function 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 remove moisture from my hearing aids”? Normally, you can wipe it down and allow it to air dry in a warm spot.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits properly: Hearing aids can sometimes become uncomfortable when they’re cold. Minimize any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- Make use of accessories to keep your hearing aids secured to your ears: There are all kinds of straps and clips you can make use of 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.
- It helps to wear a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears cozy, it’ll keep your hearing aids warm, as well! And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more optimally they’ll be working. Your next question may be: can I wear ear muffs on top of my hearing aid without impacting my hearing? Most hearing aids will continue to work just fine with earmuffs on.
- Monitor your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Hearing aid batteries don’t generally freeze but they will die faster in the cold. This means you’ll want to make certain you have a full charge before going out into any inclement weather.
- Try not to let your hearing aid wet: When snow melts, it’s wet, so be careful about exposing your hearing aids to snow. If you’re going to ask, “Well, can I use hearing aids when it’s raining or snowing”? Yes, you can. Although most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are normally water resistant. So while your hearing aid will probably be okay if it gets a little wet, you should dry it as soon as possible.
Maybe you’re wondering how to protect your hearing aids when it gets cold. That’s exactly what we’re going to explore.
If your hearing aid stops working, what should you do?
Occasionally, unfortunately, your hearing aid will quit working even when the weather is warm and dry. There are a few straightforward troubleshooting measures you can take (make sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for instance). But if those steps aren’t helpful, we should be able to help you diagnose the cause of the problem and the best way to fix it.
You can still enjoy life even when it’s cold!
There are lots of reasons why you may want to stay inside when it’s -10 degrees outside. Maybe you don’t enjoy the cold. Perhaps a nice warm bowl of soup would do the trick. Maybe you’re not a big fan of snowmobiles. What’s essential here is not to let problems with your hearing aid impact your quality of life, even during the winter.
If you observe the tips above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is particularly true. Contact us if you have any concerns about how your hearing aids might be impacted by the cold.
