In contrast to popular opinion, winter is fun! Well, if you have to go somewhere, it can definitely be a challenge. Or if you don’t have the correct 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 head 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, autumn if you have the proper gear.
But that’s a major caveat: you need the proper gear to remain comfortable. You might be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold air impact my hearing aids? Can 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 full-time. They’re constructed so you can wear them to the grocery store, out on a hike, or just around the house. Which means that hearing aid makers understand that these devices may take a beating. We don’t recommend you do anything extreme with your hearing aids, just keep in mind that they’re manufactured to accompany you throughout your normal daily tasks.
Most hearing aids are manufactured 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 spots that will sometimes go below -13 but usually, that covers the broad spectrum of temperatures.
You will be able to hear well in most settings and that’s a wonderful thing. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s very cold? Well, drops in temperature will put stress on your devices, so while they might operate, they might not operate at their best.
Some winter hearing aid tips
Luckily, there are some things you can do to help ensure your hearing aids continue to work at maximum efficiency (or close enough) even in cold weather.
- Use accessories to keep your hearing aids strapped to your ears: 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 specifically true.
- Make sure you have freshly charged batteries: Can hearing aid batteries freeze? Well, not really. But cold weather can drain your batteries faster than warm weather. This means you’ll want to make sure you have a full charge before going out into any severe weather.
- We can help ensure your hearing aid fits correctly: At times, when they get really cold, hearing aids can become uncomfortable. Reduce any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- Try donning 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 optimally they’ll be functioning. Your next question might be: can I wear ear muffs on top of my hearing aid without impacting my hearing? Well, it depends on the hearing aid, but in most cases, your hearing aids will still continue to work.
- Getting your hearing aid wet isn’t a good idea: 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 use hearing aids when it’s raining or snowing”? Yes, you can. Though most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are typically water resistant. So while your hearing aid will probably be fine if it gets a bit wet, you should dry it as soon as you can.
- When you’re not wearing your hearing aids, store them in a dry and warm spot: This will help stop moisture from causing problems with your hearing aids. You’re most likely asking: “How do I eliminate moisture from my hearing aids”? In most cases, you can wipe it down and allow it to air dry in a warm spot.
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 quit working?
Sometimes, unfortunately, your hearing aid will stop working even when the weather is warm and dry. There are a few standard troubleshooting measures you can take (for example, make sure the batteries are charged and that your devices are good and dry). If you still aren’t able to determine why they’re not working, we should be able to help you with that.
You can still enjoy life even when it’s cold!
There are plenty of reasons why you may want to stay indoors when it’s -10 degrees outside. Maybe you aren’t a winter person. Perhaps a delicious hot bowl of soup would hit the spot. Perhaps you aren’t a big fan of snowmobiles. What’s essential here is not to let issues with your hearing aid diminish your quality of life, even when it’s winter.
That’s particularly true if you take care of your devices, and observe the tips outlined above. Contact us if you have any concerns about how your hearing aids might be impacted by the cold.