Contrary to popular belief, winter is fun! Well, if you have to go somewhere, it can definitely be difficult. Or if you don’t have the correct gear (or proper infrastructure). But there are plenty of fun things to do in those colder winter months.
Still not convinced? Well, here are only a few examples of how cold weather can be enjoyable: you could go skiing or sledding. You could take a snowmobile ride. Or you could grab a pair of ice skates and spend some 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 proper gear.
But the secret here is using the right gear. Maybe you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be effected by the cold. Will the cold damage my hearing aids?
Most hearing aids are designed to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are designed to be used on a daily basis. They’re designed to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. The makers of these devices are well aware that they need to have a resilient construction. We don’t suggest you do anything extreme with your hearing aids, just remember that they’re designed to go along with you throughout your normal daily activities.
As a result, most hearing aids are made to be somewhat “all-weather”. Most hearing aids can function quite well between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad spectrum of temperature possibilities (although there are some places, especially up north, that will sometimes get colder than -13 degrees).
You will be able to hear well in the majority of environments and that’s a wonderful thing. 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 tips
Fortunately, there are certain things you can do to help ensure your hearing aids continue to function at maximum efficiency (or near enough) even in cold weather.
- Try not to get your hearing aids 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 wear your hearing aids in the rain or snow, the answer is yes. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not usually waterproof. So while your hearing aid will probably be okay if it gets a bit wet, you should dry it as soon as you can.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by using accessories.: There are all manner of straps and clips you can use to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. This can be especially significant if you’re involved in strenuous activity, like skiing, skating, or sledding.
- When you aren’t using your hearing aids, store them in a dry and warm place: This will help stop moisture from causing issues with your hearing aids. You’re probably asking: “How do I remove moisture from my hearing aids”? In the majority of situations, you can dry it off and then put it somewhere dry and warm.
- Check your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Can hearing aid batteries freeze? Well, not really. But cold weather can kill your batteries faster than warm weather. So before you go out in the cold, be sure your battery is completely charged.
- Try to dawn a hat or earmuffs: Wearing a hat or earmuffs will keep both your ears and your hearing aid toasty. And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more optimally they’ll be working. 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.
- We can help ensure your hearing aid fits correctly: 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.
Maybe you’re wondering how to protect your hearing aids when it gets cold. That’s exactly what we’re going to explore.
If your hearing aid stops working, what should you do?
Occasionally, unfortunately, your hearing aid will stop working even when the weather is warm and dry. There are a few practical 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 figure out why they’re not working, we should be able to help you with that.
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 don’t enjoy the cold. Maybe a delicious 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 preventing you from living your best winter life.
If you observe the tips above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is especially true. If you have any questions about how cold weather could effect the performance of your hearing aids, talk to us today!