Lots of individuals really enjoy winter! Alright, it can certainly be a bummer if you have to go somewhere. Or if you don’t have the proper gear (or proper infrastructure). But during those cold winter months, you can find lots of fun things to do.
Don’t believe us? Well, here are just a few instances of how cold weather can be enjoyable: you could go skiing or sledding. You could have some fun on a snowmobile! Or you could get a pair of ice skates and spend some time out on the ice. You can enjoy being outside in the winter just as much as the summer, spring, or, fall if you have the proper gear.
But that’s an important caveat: you need the right gear to remain comfortable. Maybe you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be impacted by the cold. Or will 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 meant 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 meant to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything extreme with them.
Consequently, most hearing aids are made 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 go below -13 but usually, that covers the broad spectrum of temperatures.
Which is a good thing! It means you’ll be able to hear in most environments. Now, you might be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids function as well in the winter? Hearing aids will work in the cold, just maybe not as well.
Some winter hearing aid guidelines
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help make sure your hearing aids continue to work at peak efficiency (or near enough) even in cold weather.
- Be certain you have freshly charged batteries: Can hearing aid batteries freeze? Well, not really. But cold weather can kill your batteries faster than warm weather. This means you’ll want to be certain you have a full charge before heading out into any severe weather.
- Consult us about how your hearing aids are fitting: Hearing aids can sometimes be uncomfortable when they’re cold. Speak with us about the fit of your devices to give yourself the opportunity to lessen discomfort.
- Try not to let your hearing aid 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 use 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 most likely get a bit wet, but it’s not a great idea to leave it that way longer than necessary.
- It’s helpful to wear earmuffs or a hat: Wearing earmuffs or a hat will keep both your ears and your hearing aid warm. And your hearing aids will function at their maximum level if they are warm. Your next question may be: can I wear ear muffs on top of my hearing aid without affecting my hearing? Most hearing aids will still work just fine with earmuffs on.
- When you aren’t wearing your hearing aids, keep 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 aren’t sure how to remove moisture from your hearing aid. Usually, you can wipe it down and let it air dry in a warm spot.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by making use of accessories.: In order to ensure your hearing aids stay securely in place in your ears you can make use of one of many available clips or straps. If you’re doing any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is specifically relevant.
So, if you’re wondering: how can I protect my hearing aids in the winter? That’s precisely what we’re going to explore.
What should you do if your hearing aids stop working?
Of course, even in the best weather conditions, your hearing aid might occasionally stop working. You can take a few basic steps to troubleshoot your device (for instance, ensure the batteries are charged and that your devices are good and dry). But if those steps don’t help, we should be able to help you identify the cause of the problem and the best way to fix it.
Don’t let cold weather stop you from enjoying life!
There are a lot of reasons why you might want to stay indoors when it’s -10 degrees outside. Maybe you aren’t a winter person. Perhaps a nice warm bowl of soup would do the trick. Possibly snowmobiles aren’t your jam. The essential thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are stopping you from living your greatest winter life.
If you follow the guidelines above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is particularly true. Give us a call if you have any concerns about how your hearing aids might be impacted by the cold.