In contrast to popular belief, winter is fun! Well, if you have to go somewhere, it can certainly be a challenge. Or if you aren’t properly prepared. But during those chilly winter months, you can find lots of fun things to do.
Still not convinced? Sledding and skiing aren’t the only fun things you can do in the winter. You could take a snowmobile ride. You could head out onto the ice for some ice skating or ice fishing. With the proper 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 correct gear to remain comfortable. You might be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold air affect my hearing aids? Or can cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Most hearing aids are made to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are manufactured to be worn on a daily basis. They’re constructed so you can wear them to the supermarket, out on a hike, or just around the house. The makers of these devices understand that they need to have a robust construction. But just because hearing aids are designed to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything extreme with them.
Consequently, most hearing aids are designed to be somewhat “all-weather”. The safe temperature range for the majority of hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad spectrum of temperature possibilities (although there are some places, particularly up north, that will sometimes get colder than -13 degrees).
You will be capable of hearing well in most environments and that’s a wonderful thing. Now, you may be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids function 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 operating at near peak efficiency if you take a few steps.
- Speak with us about the fit of your hearing aids: Sometimes, when they get really cold, hearing aids can be uncomfortable. Decrease any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- When you aren’t using your hearing aids, store them in a dry and warm place: Your hearing aid will function better and with fewer problems if you keep moisture out of it. Perhaps you’re not sure how to eliminate moisture from your hearing aid. In most cases, you can dry it off and then leave it someplace dry and warm.
- Monitor 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 certain you have a full charge before going out into any inclement weather.
- Try donning a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears warm, it’ll keep your hearing aids warm, also! And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more ideally they’ll be functioning. Your next question may be: can I wear ear muffs over 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.
- Letting your hearing aids get wet isn’t a good idea: When snow melts, it becomes water, so be mindful about exposing your hearing aids to snow. If you’re wondering whether you can wear your hearing aids in the rain or snow, the answer is yes. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not necessarily 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.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by making use of accessories.: In order to ensure your hearing aids remain securely in place in your ears you can utilize one of many available straps or clips. If you’re participating in any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is specifically true.
So, if you’re wondering: how can I safeguard my hearing aids in the winter? Well, now you have some answers.
What should you do if your hearing aids quit working?
Of course, even in the best possible weather conditions, your hearing aid might occasionally stop working. There are a few straightforward troubleshooting measures you can take (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 issue and the best way to fix it.
Don’t let cold weather stop you from enjoying life!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s understandable that you would want to stay indoors. Perhaps you aren’t a winter person. Maybe you’re going to cook yourself some yummy warm soup. Possibly snowmobiles aren’t your jam. 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. If you have any questions about how cold weather could effect the performance of your hearing aids, talk to us today!