Lots of people really enjoy winter! Alright, it can definitely be a bummer if you need to go 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.
Still not convinced? Well, here are just a few examples of how cold weather can be fun: you could go sledding or skiing. You could have a good time on a snowmobile! Or you could get a pair of ice skates and spend some time out on the ice. With the correct gear, winter can be just as much of an outdoor season as spring, summer, or fall (and the hot chocolate is so much more satisfying when you’ve been outside in the cold).
But that’s a significant caveat: you need the proper gear to stay comfortable. Perhaps you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be effected by the cold. Or will cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be okay in any weather
Hearing aids are made to be worn on a daily basis. They’re built so you can wear them to the grocery store, out for a hike, or simply around the house. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers understand that these devices may take a pounding. But just because hearing aids are meant to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything extreme with them.
As a result, most hearing aids are made to be somewhat “all-weather”. Most hearing aids can work quite nicely between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad spectrum of temperature possibilities (though there are some places, particularly up north, that will occasionally get colder than -13 degrees).
You will be capable of hearing well in the majority of environments and that’s a great thing. 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 maybe not as well.
Guidelines for hearing aids in the winter
Luckily, there are certain things you can do to help ensure your hearing aids continue to function at peak efficiency (or close enough) even in cold weather.
- 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 sure you have a full charge before heading out into any severe weather.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by utilizing accessories.: In order to ensure your hearing aids remain securely in place in your ears you can make use of one of many available straps or clips. This can be especially relevant if you’re involved in strenuous activity, like skiing, skating, or sledding.
- It’s helpful to wear a hat or earmuffs: Wearing earmuffs or a hat will keep both your ears and your hearing aid warm. And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more optimally they’ll be working. Maybe you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still function if you have earmuffs over them. Well, it depends on the hearing aid, but in most cases, your hearing aids will still keep working.
- Keep your hearing aids someplace warm and dry when you aren’t wearing them: This will help stop moisture from causing problems with your hearing aids. Maybe you’re not certain how to eliminate moisture from your hearing aid. Normally, you can wipe it down and allow it to air dry in a warm spot.
- Try not to get your hearing aids wet: When snow melts, it’s wet, so be mindful about exposing your hearing aids to snow. If you’re going to ask, “Well, can I wear hearing aids when it’s raining or snowing”? Yes, you can. 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.
- Talk to us about the fit of your hearing aids: At times, when they get really cold, hearing aids can become uncomfortable. Speak with us about the fit of your devices in order to give yourself the opportunity to decrease discomfort.
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 quit working?
Of course, even in the best possible weather conditions, your hearing aid may occasionally quit working. There are a few straightforward troubleshooting steps you can take (make sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for instance). If you still aren’t able to figure out why they’re not working, we should be able to assist you with that.
You can still enjoy life even when it’s cold!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s understandable that you would want to stay indoors. Maybe you aren’t a winter person. Perhaps a delicious warm bowl of soup would do the trick. Maybe you aren’t a big fan of snowmobiles. What’s essential here is not to let issues with your hearing aid impact your quality of life, even during the winter.
That’s especially true if you take care of your devices, and follow the guidelines outlined above. Give us a call if you have any concerns about how your hearing aids might be effected by the cold.