Lots of individuals really love winter! Okay, it can certainly be a bummer if you have to go somewhere. Or if you aren’t properly prepared. But there are lots of fun things to do in those chillier winter months.
Still not convinced? Well, here are only a few examples of how cold weather can be enjoyable: you could go sledding or skiing. You could take a snowmobile ride. You could go out onto the ice for some ice skating or ice fishing. With the right gear, winter can be just as much of an outdoor season as spring, summer, or fall (and the hot cocoa is so much more satisfying when you’ve been outside in the cold).
But that’s an important caveat: you need the right gear to remain comfortable. You might be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold weather impact my hearing aids? Will the cold damage my hearing aids?
Most hearing aids are made to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are made to be used on a daily basis. They’re built so you can wear them to the grocery store, out on a hike, or just around the house. 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.
The majority of hearing aids are designed to be basically “all weather” as a result. The safe temperature range for the majority of hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. There are some spots that will sometimes get colder than -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. Now, you may be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids function as well in the winter? Well, drops in temperature will put strain on your devices, so while they might operate, they might not operate at their best.
Some winter hearing aid tips
Fortunately, there are certain things you can do to help make sure your hearing aids continue to function at peak efficiency (or close enough) even in cold weather.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits correctly: Hearing aids can sometimes become uncomfortable when they’re cold. Talk to us about the fit of your devices to give yourself the chance to decrease discomfort.
- Try not to get your hearing aids wet: Be careful 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 rain or snow, the answer is yes. Even though most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are normally water resistant. This means your hearing aid can probably get a little wet, but it’s not a very good idea to leave it that way longer than you have to.
- Try to dawn a hat or earmuffs: Wearing earmuffs or a hat will keep both your ears and your hearing aid toasty. And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more ideally they’ll be functioning. Maybe you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still function if you have earmuffs over them. Most hearing aids will still work just fine with earmuffs on.
- Check your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Hearing aid batteries don’t necessarily freeze but they will die faster in the cold. So before you go out in the cold, be sure your battery is fully charged.
- Use accessories to keep your hearing aids secured to your ears: 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 doing any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is especially relevant.
- When you aren’t wearing your hearing aids, store them in a dry and warm place: Your hearing aid will work better and with fewer problems if you keep moisture out of it. Maybe you’re not certain how to eliminate moisture from your hearing aid. Normally, you can wipe it down and let it air dry in a warm spot.
So, if you’re wondering: how do I safeguard my hearing aids in the winter? Well, now you’ve got some answers.
What should you do if your hearing aids stop working?
Of course, even in the best weather conditions, your hearing aid might occasionally quit working. There are a few basic troubleshooting steps you can take (for example, ensure the batteries are charged and that your devices are nice and dry). If you still aren’t able to determine 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 inside. Perhaps you’re not a winter person. Possibly you’re going to cook yourself some nice warm soup. Maybe you aren’t a big fan of snowmobiles. The important thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are stopping you from living your greatest winter life.
That’s especially true if you take care of your devices, and observe the tips outlined above. Give us a call if you have any questions about how your hearing aids might be impacted by the cold.