In contrast to popular opinion, winter is fun! Well, if you need to go somewhere, it can certainly be a challenge. Or if you aren’t properly prepared. But there are plenty of fun things to do in those colder winter months.
Still not convinced? Skiing and sledding aren’t the only enjoyable things you can do in the winter. You could have some fun on a snowmobile! Or you could grab 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 proper gear.
But the secret here is having the appropriate gear. You may be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold air impact my hearing aids? Or can cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be okay in any weather
Hearing aids are meant to be used full-time. They’re built so you can wear them to the grocery store, out on a hike, or simply around the house. Which means that hearing aid makers are aware that these devices may take a pounding. 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.
Consequently, most hearing aids are manufactured to be somewhat “all-weather”. 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 usually, that covers the broad range of temperatures.
Which is a good thing! It means you’ll be able to hear in most environments. Now, you might be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids work as well in the cold? Hearing aids will function in the cold, just maybe not as well.
Some winter hearing aid guidelines
You can keep your hearing aids working at close to peak efficiency if you take a few steps.
- Getting your hearing aid wet isn’t a good idea: Be cautious not to get snow on your hearing aid because when snow melts, things get wet. If you’re going to ask, “Well, can I use hearing aids when it’s snowing or raining”? Yes, you can. Though most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are usually water resistant. So while your hearing aid will probably be fine if it gets a little wet, you should dry it as soon as you can.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by making use of accessories.: There are all manner 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 especially true.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits properly: Sometimes, when they get really cold, hearing aids can be uncomfortable. Speak with us about the fit of your devices to give yourself the opportunity to lessen discomfort.
- Keep your hearing aids someplace warm and dry when you aren’t wearing them: This will help prevent moisture from causing problems with your hearing aids. Perhaps you’re not sure how to remove moisture from your hearing aid. In the majority of situations, you can dry it off and then leave it somewhere dry and warm.
- Monitor 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.
- Try wearing a hat or earmuffs: Wearing earmuffs or a hat will keep both your ears and your hearing aid cozy. And your hearing aids will operate at their best level if they’re warm. Maybe you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still work if you have earmuffs over them. Well, it depends on the hearing aid, but in most cases, your hearing aids will still continue to work.
So, if you’re wondering: how can I protect my hearing aids in the winter? Well, now you have some answers.
If your hearing aid quits working, what should you do?
Of course, even in the best possible weather conditions, your hearing aid may occasionally quit working. You can take a few basic measures to troubleshoot your device (for example, ensure the batteries are charged and that your devices are nice and dry). But if those steps aren’t helpful, 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 stop you from enjoying life!
There are a lot of reasons why you might want to stay indoors when it’s -10 degrees outside. Perhaps you don’t enjoy the cold. Maybe a delicious hot 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 particularly 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!