Lots of individuals really love winter! Okay, it can definitely be a bummer if you have to go anywhere. Or if you don’t have the correct gear (or proper infrastructure). But there are plenty of fun things to do in those chillier winter months.
Still not convinced? Sledding and skiing aren’t the only enjoyable 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 right gear, winter can be just as much of an outdoor season as spring, summer, or fall (and the hot cocoa is so much more satisfying when you’ve been outdoors in the cold).
But the key here is having the appropriate gear. Perhaps 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 manufactured to be used on a daily basis. They’re designed to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers understand that these devices may take a beating. We don’t suggest you do anything drastic with your hearing aids, just remember that they’re made to accompany you throughout your normal daily activities.
As a result, 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. That covers the broad spectrum of temperature possibilities (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 capable of hearing 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
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help make sure your hearing aids continue to work at peak efficiency (or close enough) even in cold weather.
- We can help make sure your hearing aid fits properly: Hearing aids can sometimes become uncomfortable when they’re cold. Minimize any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- Keep your hearing aids somewhere warm and dry when you aren’t wearing them: This will help stop moisture from causing issues with your hearing aids. Maybe you’re not sure how to remove moisture from your hearing aid. In most cases, you can wipe it down and let it air dry in a warm spot.
- Letting your hearing aids get wet isn’t a smart idea: 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 snowing or raining”? Yes, you can. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not necessarily waterproof. So while your hearing aid will most likely be okay if it gets a little wet, you should dry it as soon as possible.
- It’s helpful to wear earmuffs or a hat: Wearing earmuffs or a hat will keep both your ears and your hearing aid toasty. And your hearing aids will function at their maximum level if they are warm. Perhaps you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still function if you have earmuffs over them. Most hearing aids will continue to work just fine with earmuffs on.
- Utilize accessories to keep your hearing aids secured to your ears: In order to be sure your hearing aids remain securely in place in your ears you can make use of one of many available straps or clips. If you’re doing any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is specifically relevant.
- 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 certain you have a full charge before heading out into any severe weather.
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?
Occasionally, unfortunately, your hearing aid will quit working even when the weather is warm and dry. There are a few practical troubleshooting measures you can take (make sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for instance). But if those steps aren’t helpful, we should be able to help you determine the cause of the problem and the best way to fix it.
You can still enjoy life even when it’s cold!
There are plenty of reasons why you might want to stay indoors when it’s -10 degrees outside. Maybe you don’t like the cold. Perhaps a delicious warm 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 preventing you from living your greatest winter life.
If you observe the guidelines above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is particularly true. Give us a call if you have any questions about how your hearing aids may be impacted by the cold.