Lots of people really enjoy winter! Well, if you need to go somewhere, it can definitely be a challenge. Or if you’re not properly prepared. But there are plenty of fun things to do in those chillier winter months.
Don’t believe us? Sledding and skiing aren’t the only enjoyable things you can do in the winter. You could take a snowmobile ride. Or you could grab a pair of ice skates and spend a little 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 correct gear.
But that’s a major caveat: you need the right gear to remain comfortable. You may be thinking: Does my hearing aid count as “the right gear”… and if so, will cold air affect my hearing aids? Or can cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be okay in any weather
Hearing aids are manufactured to be used on a daily basis. They’re constructed so you can wear them to the grocery store, out for a hike, or just around the house. Which means that hearing aid manufacturers understand that these devices might take a pounding. We don’t recommend you do anything extreme with your hearing aids, just remember that they’re designed to go along with you throughout your normal daily activities.
Most hearing aids are manufactured to be basically “all weather” as a result. 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.
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 work as well in the winter? Hearing aids will function in the cold, just perhaps not as well.
Guidelines for hearing aids in the winter
You can keep your hearing aids working at near maximum efficiency if you take a few steps.
- Keep your hearing aids somewhere warm and dry when you aren’t wearing them: This will help stop moisture from causing issues with your hearing aids. Perhaps you’re not sure how to eliminate moisture from your hearing aid. In most cases, you can wipe it down and allow it to air dry in a warm spot.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by using accessories.: There are all kinds of straps and clips you can make use of to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. This can be especially relevant if you’re involved in strenuous activity, like skiing, skating, or sledding.
- Talk to us about the fit of your hearing aids: Sometimes, when they get really cold, hearing aids can be uncomfortable. Minimize any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- 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 wear your hearing aids in the snow and rain, the answer is yes. Although most hearing aren’t waterproof, they are usually water resistant. This means your hearing aid can most likely get a little wet, but it’s not a great idea to leave it that way longer than necessary.
- Try donning a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears warm, it’ll keep your hearing aids toasty, too! And your hearing aids will operate at their optimal level if they are warm. Maybe 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 continue to work.
- Monitor your batteries (and make sure they’re charged): Hearing aid batteries don’t necessarily freeze but they will drain faster in the cold. So before you go out in the cold, make sure your battery is fully charged.
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 optimal weather conditions, your hearing aid may occasionally stop working. You can take a few basic steps to troubleshoot your device (for instance, make sure the batteries are charged and that your devices are good and dry). If you still aren’t able to determine why they aren’t working, we should be able to assist you with that.
You can still enjoy life even in the cold!
There are plenty of reasons why you may want to stay inside when it’s -10 degrees outside. Maybe you’re not a winter person. Possibly you’re going to make yourself some yummy hot soup. Maybe snowmobiles aren’t your jam. The important thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are preventing you from living your greatest winter life.
If you observe the tips above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is especially true. Call us if you have any concerns about how your hearing aids may be effected by the cold.
