In contrast to popular belief, winter is fun! Well, if you need to go somewhere, it can definitely be a challenge. Or if you aren’t properly prepared. But there are plenty of fun things to do in those chillier winter months.
Don’t believe it? Well, here are just a few examples of how cold weather can be enjoyable: you could go skiing or sledding. You could have a good time on a snowmobile! Or you could get a pair of ice skates and spend a little time out on the ice. 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 a significant caveat: you need the correct gear to stay 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 can cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be okay in any weather
Hearing aids are designed to be worn every day. They’re built so you can wear them to the grocery store, out on a hike, or simply around the house. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers are aware that these devices may take a pounding. We don’t recommend you do anything drastic with your hearing aids, just keep in mind that they’re designed to go along with you throughout your normal daily tasks.
The majority of hearing aids are designed to be basically “all weather” as a result. Most hearing aids can work quite well between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad spectrum of temperature possibilities (though there are some places, particularly 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. Now, you might be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids function as well in the cold? Well, drops in temperature will put stress on your devices, so while they might work, they may not work optimally.
Guidelines for hearing aids in the winter
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help ensure your hearing aids continue to work at maximum efficiency (or close enough) even in cold weather.
- Make sure you have freshly charged batteries: Hearing aid batteries don’t necessarily freeze but they will die quicker in the cold. So before you go out in the cold, be sure your battery is fully charged.
- Use accessories to keep your hearing aids strapped to your ears: In order to make sure your hearing aids remain securely in place in your ears you can utilize one of many available clips or straps. If you’re doing any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is particularly relevant.
- Letting your hearing aids get wet isn’t a smart idea: When snow melts, it’s wet, so be mindful about exposing your hearing aids to snow. If you’re going to ask, “Well, can I wear hearing aids when it’s raining or snowing”? Yes, you can. Most hearing aids are water resistant but not necessarily waterproof. This means your hearing aid can most likely get a bit wet, but it’s not a very good idea to leave it that way longer than necessary.
- Try wearing 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 operate at their optimal level if they are warm. Your next question might be: can I wear ear muffs on top of my hearing aid without impacting my hearing? Well, it depends on the hearing aid, but in most cases, your hearing aids will still keep working.
- Speak with us about the fit of your hearing aids: At times, when they get really cold, hearing aids can be uncomfortable. Talk to us about the fit of your devices to give yourself the opportunity to decrease discomfort.
- Keep your hearing aids somewhere warm and dry when you aren’t using them: This will help stop moisture from causing issues with your hearing aids. You’re most likely asking: “How do I eliminate moisture from my hearing aids”? In most instances, you can dry it off and then leave it somewhere warm and dry.
So, if you’re wondering: how can I safeguard my hearing aids in the winter? Well, now you’ve got some answers.
What should you do if your hearing aids quit working?
Of course, even in the best weather conditions, your hearing aid may occasionally quit working. You can take a few basic measures to troubleshoot your device (be sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for example). But if those steps don’t help, 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 a lot of reasons why you might want to stay indoors when it’s -10 degrees outside. Perhaps you don’t like the cold. Maybe you’re going to make yourself some nice warm soup. Maybe you aren’t 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 especially true if you take care of your devices, and follow the tips outlined above. Contact us if you have any questions about how your hearing aids might be impacted by the cold.