Lots of people really love winter! Well, if you need to go somewhere, it can definitely be difficult. Or if you’re not properly prepared. But during those chilly winter months, you can find plenty of enjoyable things to do.
Still not convinced? 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, fall if you have the correct gear.
But that’s a significant caveat: you need the proper gear to remain comfortable. Perhaps you’re wondering if your hearing aid counts as part of that gear and whether it will be impacted by the cold. Or will cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be fine in any weather
Hearing aids are made to be worn 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 robust construction. But just because hearing aids are designed to be worn all of the time doesn’t mean you should do anything extreme with them.
Consequently, most hearing aids are made to be somewhat “all-weather”. The safe temperature range for the majority of hearing aids is from -13 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad range of temperature possibilities (though there are some places, particularly up north, that will occasionally get colder than -13 degrees).
You will be able to hear well in the majority of environments and that’s a wonderful thing. So why don’t my hearing aids seem to work as well when it’s really cold? Well, drops in temperature will put stress on your devices, so while they might work, they may not work at their best.
Guidelines for hearing aids in the winter
Luckily, there are certain things you can do to help make sure your hearing aids continue to function at maximum efficiency (or near enough) even in cold weather.
- Be certain you have freshly charged batteries: Hearing aid batteries don’t necessarily freeze but they will die faster in the cold. This means you’ll want to make certain you have a full charge before going out into any inclement weather.
- Try not to let your hearing aid 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. This means your hearing aid can most likely get a bit wet, but it’s not a great idea to leave it that way longer than you have to.
- It helps to wear earmuffs or a hat: Wearing earmuffs or a hat will keep both your ears and your hearing aid warm. And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more optimally they’ll be functioning. Perhaps 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.
- We can help ensure your hearing aid fits properly: Hearing aids can sometimes become uncomfortable when they’re cold. Decrease any possible discomfort by getting help from us with the fit of your device.
- Keep your hearing aids secured in your ear by utilizing accessories.: In order to be sure your hearing aids remain securely in place in your ears you can make use of one of many available straps or clips. If you’re participating in any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is specifically relevant.
- Keep your hearing aids someplace warm and dry when you aren’t wearing them: Your hearing aid will work better and with fewer problems if you keep moisture out of it. Perhaps you’re not sure how to remove moisture from your hearing aid. In most cases, you can dry it off and then put 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?
Occasionally, unfortunately, your hearing aid will quit working even when the weather is warm and dry. You can take a few basic steps to troubleshoot your device (for example, make sure the batteries are charged and that your devices are good and dry). But if those steps aren’t helpful, we should be able to help you diagnose the cause of the problem and the best way to fix it.
You can still enjoy life even when it’s cold!
There are lots of reasons why you may want to stay indoors when it’s -10 degrees outside. Perhaps you’re not a winter person. Maybe a nice warm bowl of soup would do the trick. Possibly snowmobiles aren’t your jam. The important thing is that it shouldn’t be your hearing aids that are preventing you from living your best winter life.
If you follow the guidelines above and take good care of your hearing aids, this is especially true. Contact us if you have any questions about how your hearing aids may be effected by the cold.