Lots of people really enjoy winter! Alright, it can certainly be a bummer if you need to get somewhere. 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.
Don’t believe it? Sledding and skiing aren’t the only fun things you can do in the winter. You could take a snowmobile ride. You could go out onto the ice for some ice skating or ice fishing. You can enjoy being outdoors in the winter just as much as the summer, spring, or, autumn if you have the proper gear.
But that’s a significant caveat: you need the correct gear to remain comfortable. You might be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold weather impact my hearing aids? Will the cold damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be fine in any weather
Hearing aids are manufactured to be used on a daily basis. 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. We don’t suggest you do anything drastic with your hearing aids, just remember that they’re designed to accompany you throughout your normal daily tasks.
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. There are some spots that will sometimes get colder than -13 but usually, that covers the broad spectrum of temperatures.
You will be able to hear well in most settings and that’s a wonderful thing. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s very cold? Hearing aids will function in the cold, just perhaps not as well.
Some winter hearing aid guidelines
You can keep your hearing aids working at near peak efficiency if you take a few measures.
- Try donning a hat or earmuffs: Wearing earmuffs or a hat 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 still work just fine with earmuffs on.
- When you aren’t using your hearing aids, keep them in a dry and warm spot: This will help stop moisture from causing problems with your hearing aids. You’re most likely asking: “How do I remove moisture from my hearing aids”? Usually, you can wipe it down and let it air dry in a warm spot.
- Check your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Can hearing aid batteries freeze? Well, not really. But cold weather can drain your batteries faster than warm weather. This means you’ll want to make sure you have a full charge before heading out into any severe weather.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by utilizing accessories.: In order to ensure your hearing aids remain securely in place in your ears you can make use of one of many available clips or straps. This can be particularly relevant if you’re engaged in strenuous activity, like skiing, skating, or sledding.
- Try not to let your hearing aid wet: When snow melts, it becomes water, so be mindful about exposing your hearing aids to snow. 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. 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 you have to.
- Talk to us about how your hearing aids are fitting: Hearing aids can sometimes be uncomfortable when they’re cold. Minimize any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
Maybe you’re wondering how to protect your hearing aids when it gets cold. That’s precisely what we’re going to find out.
What should you do if your hearing aids quit working?
Sometimes, unfortunately, your hearing aid will quit working even when the weather is warm and dry. There are a few standard troubleshooting steps you can take (be sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for instance). But if those steps don’t help, we should be able to help you determine the cause of the issue and the best way to fix it.
You can still enjoy life even when it’s cold!
When it’s -10 degrees outside, it’s reasonable that you would want to stay indoors. Perhaps you aren’t a winter person. Maybe a delicious warm bowl of soup would do the trick. Maybe snowmobiles aren’t your jam. The important thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are stopping you from living your best winter life.
If you observe the tips above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is particularly true. Give us a call if you have any concerns about how your hearing aids may be impacted by the cold.
