In contrast to popular belief, winter is fun! Alright, it can certainly be a bummer if you have to go anywhere. Or if you aren’t properly prepared. But there are plenty of fun things to do in those chillier winter months.
Still not convinced? Skiing and sledding aren’t the only fun 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. You can enjoy being outdoors in the winter just as much as the summer, spring, or, fall if you have the right gear.
But the key here is having the right gear. 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 made to be used full-time. They’re meant to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. Which means that hearing aid makers understand that these devices may take a pounding. But just because hearing aids are meant to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything drastic with them.
As a result, most hearing aids are designed to be somewhat “all-weather”. Most hearing aids can function quite nicely between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad spectrum of temperature possibilities (even though 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 able to hear in most environments. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s really cold? Hearing aids will work in the cold, just maybe not as well.
Some winter hearing aid advice
Fortunately, there are certain things you can do to help make sure your hearing aids continue to function at peak 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. This can be especially relevant if you’re engaged in strenuous activity, including skiing, skating, or sledding.
- Check 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 certain you have a full charge before heading out into any severe weather.
- Try not to get your hearing aids wet: 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 snowing or raining”? Yes, you can. Though most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are typically water resistant. This means your hearing aid can probably get a little wet, but it’s not a very good idea to leave it that way longer than you have to.
- Keep your hearing aids somewhere warm and dry when you aren’t using them: This will help prevent moisture from causing problems with your hearing aids. Perhaps you aren’t certain how to eliminate moisture from your hearing aid. Usually, you can wipe it down and let it air dry in a warm spot.
- Try donning a hat or earmuffs: Wearing a hat or earmuffs will keep both your ears and your hearing aid warm. And your hearing aids will function at their best level if they are warm. Maybe you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still work if you have earmuffs over them. Most hearing aids will continue to work just fine with earmuffs on.
- Consult us about the fit of your hearing aids: 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 minimize discomfort.
Maybe you’re wondering how to protect your hearing aids when it gets cold. Well, now you have some answers.
If your hearing aid quits working, what should you do?
Of course, even in the optimal weather conditions, your hearing aid may occasionally quit working. There are a few straightforward troubleshooting steps you can take (be sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for example). If you still aren’t able to figure out why they’re not working, we should be able to help you with that.
Don’t let cold weather keep you from enjoying life!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s reasonable that you would want to stay indoors. Maybe you don’t enjoy the cold. Maybe a delicious hot bowl of soup would do the trick. Perhaps you’re not a big fan of snowmobiles. The essential thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are stopping you from living your greatest winter life.
That’s particularly true if you take care of your devices, and follow the tips outlined above. Give us a call if you have any concerns about how your hearing aids may be effected by the cold.
