In contrast to popular opinion, winter is fun! Okay, it can definitely be a bummer if you need to go somewhere. 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.
Still not convinced? Skiing and sledding aren’t the only fun things you can do in the winter. You could take a snowmobile ride. You could go out onto the ice for some ice skating or ice fishing. 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 affect my hearing aids? Or will cold weather 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 built so you can wear them to the supermarket, out for a hike, or just around the house. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers are aware that these devices may take a pounding. But just because hearing aids are designed to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything drastic with them.
The majority of hearing aids are built 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 spectrum of temperatures.
Which is a good thing! It means you’ll be able to hear 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.
Some winter hearing aid guidelines
You can keep your hearing aids functioning at close to maximum efficiency if you take a few steps.
- It helps to wear earmuffs or a hat: Wearing a hat or earmuffs will keep both your ears and your hearing aid cozy. And your hearing aids will work at their optimal level if they are warm. Your next question might be: can I wear ear muffs on top of my hearing aid without affecting my hearing? Well, it depends on the hearing aid, but in most cases, your hearing aids will still continue to work.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by using accessories.: In order to be sure your hearing aids stay securely in place in your ears you can make use of one of many available clips or straps. If you’re doing any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is especially true.
- Talk to us about the fit of your hearing aids: Hearing aids can sometimes become uncomfortable when they’re cold. Speak with us about the fit of your devices in order to give yourself the chance to decrease discomfort.
- Check your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Do 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 somewhere 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 let it air dry in a warm spot.
- Try not to let your hearing aid wet: Be cautious not to get snow on your hearing aid because when snow melts, things get wet. If you’re wondering whether you can wear your hearing aids in the snow and rain, the answer is yes. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not necessarily waterproof. This means your hearing aid can most likely get a little wet, but it’s not a great idea to leave it that way longer than necessary.
Maybe you’re wondering how to protect your hearing aids when it gets cold. That’s precisely what we’re going to find out.
What should you do if your hearing aids stop working?
Of course, even in the best possible weather conditions, your hearing aid may occasionally quit working. You can take a few basic steps to troubleshoot your device (for example, ensure 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 diagnose the cause of the problem and the best way to fix it.
You can still enjoy life even in the cold!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s reasonable that you would want to stay indoors. Maybe you don’t like the cold. Possibly you’re going to make yourself some yummy warm soup. Perhaps you aren’t a big fan of snowmobiles. What’s important here is not to let issues with your hearing aid impact your quality of life, even when it’s winter.
If you follow the guidelines above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is especially true. If you have any questions about how cold weather may effect the performance of your hearing aids, call us today!
