Contrary to popular opinion, winter is fun! Well, if you need to go somewhere, it can definitely be difficult. Or if you don’t have the proper gear (or proper infrastructure). But during those chilly winter months, you can find lots of enjoyable things to do.
Don’t believe it? Skiing and sledding aren’t the only enjoyable things you can do in the winter. You could have a good time on a snowmobile! You could go out onto the ice for some ice skating or ice fishing. You can enjoy being outside in the winter just as much as the summer, spring, or, autumn if you have the correct gear.
But that’s a significant 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 impacted by the cold. Will the cold damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be okay in any weather
Hearing aids are made to be used every day. They’re made to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers understand that these devices might take a beating. We don’t recommend you do anything drastic with your hearing aids, just keep in mind that they’re designed to go along with you throughout your normal daily tasks.
Most hearing aids are manufactured to be basically “all weather” as a result. Most hearing aids can work quite well between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad range of temperature possibilities (though 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 able to hear in most settings. Now, you might be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids function as well in the winter? Hearing aids will work in the cold, just maybe not as well.
Some winter hearing aid advice
You can keep your hearing aids operating at near peak efficiency if you take a few steps.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits correctly: Hearing aids can sometimes be uncomfortable when they’re cold. Decrease any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- Try wearing a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears cozy, it’ll keep your hearing aids warm, as well! And your hearing aids will function at their best level if they are warm. Your next question might be: can I wear ear muffs over my hearing aid without impacting my hearing? Most hearing aids will still work just fine with earmuffs on.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by using accessories.: There are all manner of straps and clips you can use to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. If you’re participating in any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is particularly true.
- Try not to get your hearing aids 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 use your hearing aids in the rain or snow, the answer is yes. Although most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are normally water resistant. This means your hearing aid can probably get a bit wet, but it’s not a great idea to leave it that way longer than necessary.
- Be certain you have freshly charged batteries: Do 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, be sure your battery is fully charged.
- When you aren’t wearing your hearing aids, store them in a dry and warm spot: Your hearing aid will work better and with fewer problems if you keep moisture out of it. Perhaps you’re not certain how to remove moisture from your hearing aid. In most cases, you can wipe it down and let it air dry in a warm spot.
Perhaps you’re wondering how to protect your hearing aids when it gets cold. That’s precisely what we’re going to explore.
What should you do if your hearing aids stop working?
Of course, even in the best possible weather conditions, your hearing aid might occasionally quit working. There are a few straightforward troubleshooting measures you can take (make sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for example). But if those steps aren’t helpful, we should be able to help you determine the cause of the issue and the best way to fix it.
You can still enjoy life even when it’s cold!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s reasonable that you would want to stay indoors. Perhaps you don’t like the cold. Perhaps a nice warm bowl of soup would do the trick. Maybe snowmobiles aren’t your jam. The important thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are preventing you from living your best winter life.That’s especially true if you take care of your devices, and follow the guidelines outlined above. If you have any questions about how cold weather could effect the performance of your hearing aids, talk to us today!