Contrary to popular opinion, winter is fun! Well, if you have to go somewhere, it can definitely be a challenge. Or if you’re not properly prepared. But during those chilly winter months, you can find plenty of fun things to do.
Don’t believe it? Well, here are only a few instances of how cold weather can be enjoyable: you could go sledding or skiing. You could have a good time on a snowmobile! You could head out onto the ice for some ice skating or ice fishing. You can enjoy being outside in the winter just as much as the summer, spring, or, autumn if you have the right gear.
But that’s an important caveat: you need the right gear to remain comfortable. You might be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold air impact my hearing aids? Or will cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be fine in any weather
Hearing aids are designed 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 designed to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything drastic with them.
The majority of 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 spectrum 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 settings. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s very cold? Hearing aids will work in the cold, just perhaps not as well.
Guidelines for hearing aids in the winter
Luckily, there are certain things you can do to help ensure your hearing aids continue to work at peak efficiency (or close enough) even in cold weather.
- Speak with us about the fit of your hearing aids: At times, when they get really cold, hearing aids can become uncomfortable. Decrease any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- Try to dawn a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears cozy, it’ll keep your hearing aids warm, as well! 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 still work just fine with earmuffs on.
- 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 use hearing aids when it’s snowing or raining”? Yes, you can. Even though most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are normally water resistant. So while your hearing aid will probably be fine if it gets a little wet, you should dry it as soon as you can.
- Be certain you have freshly charged batteries: Hearing aid batteries don’t necessarily freeze but they will drain faster in the cold. This means you’ll want to make sure you have a full charge before going out into any severe weather.
- Utilize accessories to keep your hearing aids strapped to your ears: There are all kinds of straps and clips you can make use of to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. If you’re participating in any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is particularly true.
- When you’re not using your hearing aids, keep them in a dry and warm spot: This will help prevent moisture from causing issues with your hearing aids. Perhaps you’re not sure how to eliminate moisture from your hearing aid. Usually, you can wipe it down and allow it to air dry in a warm spot.
Perhaps you’re wondering how to protect your hearing aids when it gets cold. That’s precisely what we’re going to explore.
If your hearing aid stops working, what should you do?
Of course, even in the best possible weather conditions, your hearing aid might occasionally quit working. You can take a few basic steps to troubleshoot your device (be sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for example). If you still can’t figure out why they aren’t working, we should be able to help 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. Possibly you’re going to cook yourself some nice hot soup. Maybe you aren’t a big fan of snowmobiles. What’s important here is not to let issues with your hearing aid diminish your quality of life, even during the winter.
If you observe the tips above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is particularly true. If you have any questions about how cold weather could effect the performance of your hearing aids, talk to us today!