Lots of people really enjoy winter! Well, if you have to go somewhere, it can definitely 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 enjoyable things you can do in the winter. You could have some fun on a snowmobile! Or you could grab a pair of ice skates and spend a little time out on the ice. With the right gear, winter can be just as much of an outdoor season as spring, summer, or autumn (and the hot chocolate is so much more satisfying when you’ve been outside in the cold).
But that’s a major 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. Or can cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be okay in any weather
Hearing aids are meant to be used full-time. They’re made to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. Which means that hearing aid makers are aware that these devices might take a pounding. We don’t suggest you do anything extreme with your hearing aids, just remember that they’re made to accompany you throughout your normal daily tasks.
Most hearing aids are designed to be basically “all weather” as a result. The safe temperature range for most hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad range of temperature possibilities (although there are some places, especially up north, that will occasionally get colder than -13 degrees).
Which is a good thing! It means you’ll be capable of hearing in most environments. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s really cold? Hearing aids will function in the cold, just perhaps not as well.
Some winter hearing aid tips
You can keep your hearing aids working at close to peak efficiency if you take a few measures.
- It helps to wear earmuffs or a hat: Wearing earmuffs or a hat will keep both your ears and your hearing aid cozy. And your hearing aids will work at their best level if they’re warm. Your next question may be: can I wear ear muffs over my hearing aid without affecting my hearing? Most hearing aids will still work just fine with earmuffs on.
- Try not to let your hearing aid wet: Be cautious not to get snow on your hearing aid because when snow melts, things get wet. If you’re going to ask, “Well, can I use hearing aids when it’s raining or snowing”? Yes, you can. Even though most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are typically water resistant. So while your hearing aid will most likely be fine if it gets a bit wet, you should dry it as soon as possible.
- Use accessories to keep your hearing aids secured to your ears: In order to make sure your hearing aids stay securely in place in your ears you can make use of one of many available straps or clips. This can be especially significant if you’re engaged in strenuous activity, like skiing, skating, or sledding.
- Monitor 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 going out into any severe weather.
- Keep your hearing aids somewhere warm and dry when you aren’t using them: Your hearing aid will work better and with fewer issues if you keep moisture out of it. You’re probably asking: “How do I eliminate moisture from my hearing aids”? In most instances, you can dry it off and then leave it somewhere dry and warm.
- 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.
Maybe you’re wondering how to protect your hearing aids when it gets cold. Well, now you have some answers.
What should you do if your hearing aids stop working?
Sometimes, unfortunately, your hearing aid will quit working even when the weather is warm and dry. There are a few straightforward troubleshooting measures you can take (for instance, make sure the batteries are charged and that your devices are good and dry). If you still aren’t able to determine why they aren’t working, we should be able to assist you with that.
You can still enjoy life even in the cold!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s reasonable that you would want to stay inside. Maybe you’re not a winter person. Maybe a nice hot bowl of soup would do the trick. Maybe snowmobiles aren’t your jam. What’s important here is not to let issues with your hearing aid diminish your quality of life, even during the winter.
If you follow the guidelines above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is especially true. Contact us if you have any concerns about how your hearing aids might be impacted by the cold.