Lots of people really love winter! Okay, it can definitely be a bummer if you need to get anywhere. Or if you’re not properly prepared. But during those chilly winter months, you can find lots of fun things to do.
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! 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 that’s a major caveat: you need the right gear to stay comfortable. You may be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold weather impact my hearing aids? Or can cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Most hearing aids are designed to be all-weather… to a point
Hearing aids are manufactured to be worn on a daily basis. They’re built so you can wear them to the grocery store, out on a hike, or just around the house. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers understand that these devices may take a beating. 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 manufactured to be somewhat “all-weather”. The safe temperature range for most hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad range of temperature possibilities (even though there are some places, especially up north, that will occasionally get colder than -13 degrees).
You will be capable of hearing well in most settings and that’s a wonderful thing. Now, you might be thinking: if that’s true, why don’t my hearing aids work as well in the cold? Hearing aids will work in the cold, just maybe not as well.
Guidelines for hearing aids in the winter
You can keep your hearing aids operating at near maximum efficiency if you take a few measures.
- Try not to let your hearing aid wet: When snow melts, it’s wet, so be cautious about exposing your hearing aids to snow. If you’re wondering whether you can use your hearing aids in the snow and rain, the answer is yes. Even though most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are usually water resistant. So while your hearing aid will probably be fine if it gets a bit wet, you should dry it as soon as possible.
- It helps to wear earmuffs or a hat: 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’re warm. Perhaps you’re wondering whether your hearing aids will still work if you have earmuffs over them. Well, it depends on the hearing aid, but in most cases, your hearing aids will still keep working.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by making use of accessories.: There are all kinds of straps and clips you can use to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. If you’re doing any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is especially true.
- Keep your hearing aids someplace warm and dry when you aren’t using them: This will help prevent moisture from causing issues with your hearing aids. Perhaps you’re not certain how to remove moisture from your hearing aid. Normally, you can wipe it down and allow it to air dry in a warm spot.
- Check your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Hearing aid batteries don’t necessarily freeze but they will die quicker in the cold. This means you’ll want to be certain you have a full charge before going out into any inclement weather.
- Speak with us about how your hearing aids are fitting: Sometimes, when they get really cold, hearing aids can become uncomfortable. Reduce any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
So, if you’re wondering: how do I safeguard my hearing aids in the winter? That’s exactly what we’re going to explore.
If your hearing aid quits working, what should you do?
Of course, even in the best weather conditions, your hearing aid may occasionally stop working. You can take a few basic measures to troubleshoot your device (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 identify the cause of the issue and the best way to fix it.
You can still enjoy life even in the cold!
There are lots of reasons why you may want to stay inside when it’s -10 degrees outside. Perhaps you aren’t a winter person. Possibly you’re going to make yourself some nice hot soup. Perhaps 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 observe the tips outlined above. Call us if you have any concerns about how your hearing aids may be effected by the cold.
