Lots of individuals really enjoy winter! Okay, it can definitely be a bummer if you have to get anywhere. 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.
Still not convinced? Sledding and skiing aren’t the only fun things you can do in the winter. You could go for a snowmobile ride. You could head out onto the ice for some ice skating or ice fishing. With the correct gear, winter can be just as much of an outdoor season as spring, summer, or autumn (and the hot cocoa is so much more satisfying when you’ve been outside in the cold).
But that’s a significant caveat: you need the right 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. 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 worn on a daily basis. They’re made to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. The makers of these devices are well aware that they need to have a resilient construction. But just because hearing aids are designed to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything drastic with them.
As a result, most hearing aids are manufactured to be somewhat “all-weather”. The safe temperature range for the majority of hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. There are some places that will sometimes get colder than -13 but otherwise, that covers the broad spectrum of temperatures.
You will be able to hear well in the majority of settings and that’s a wonderful thing. Now, you might be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids work as well in the cold? Hearing aids will work in the cold, just maybe not as well.
Some winter hearing aid tips
You can keep your hearing aids functioning at near maximum 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. Reduce any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- Check your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Hearing aid batteries don’t generally freeze but they will die faster in the cold. This means you’ll want to make sure you have a full charge before going out into any inclement weather.
- When you aren’t wearing your hearing aids, store them in a dry and warm place: This will help stop moisture from causing problems with your hearing aids. Perhaps you’re not certain how to remove moisture from your hearing aid. Normally, you can wipe it down and let it air dry in a warm spot.
- Letting your hearing aids get wet isn’t a good idea: When snow melts, it becomes water, so be careful 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 usually waterproof. This means your hearing aid can most likely get a bit wet, but it’s not a very good idea to leave it that way longer than necessary.
- Try to dawn a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears warm, it’ll keep your hearing aids toasty, also! 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. Well, it depends on the hearing aid, but in most cases, your hearing aids will still keep working.
- 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 doing any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is specifically relevant.
Maybe you’re wondering how to protect your hearing aids when it gets cold. Well, now you have some answers.
If your hearing aid stops 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 instance, make sure the batteries are charged and that your devices are nice and dry). If you still aren’t able to determine why they aren’t working, we should be able to help you with that.
Don’t let cold weather stop you from enjoying life!
There are lots of reasons why you may want to stay indoors when it’s -10 degrees outside. Maybe you don’t enjoy the cold. Maybe you’re going to make yourself some yummy hot soup. Possibly 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.
If you observe the tips above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is particularly true. Call us if you have any questions about how your hearing aids may be impacted by the cold.