Lots of people really enjoy winter! Well, if you have to go somewhere, it can definitely be difficult. Or if you don’t have the proper gear (or proper infrastructure). But there are plenty of fun things to do in those chillier winter months.
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! Or you could grab a pair of ice skates and spend a little time out on the ice. 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 rewarding when you’ve been outside in the cold).
But that’s an important 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 affect my hearing aids? Or can cold weather damage my hearing aids?
Up to a point, most hearing aids will be fine in any weather
Hearing aids are designed to be used full-time. They’re meant to be worn pretty much everywhere you go. The manufacturers of these devices understand 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 drastic with them.
The majority of hearing aids are designed to be basically “all weather” as a result. Most hearing aids can function quite nicely between the temperatures of -13 and 158 degrees Fahrenheit. That covers the broad spectrum of temperature possibilities (though there are some places, especially up north, that will sometimes get colder than -13 degrees).
Which is a good thing! It means you’ll be able to hear in most settings. 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 maybe not as well.
Some winter hearing aid advice
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help make sure your hearing aids continue to work at maximum efficiency (or near enough) even in cold weather.
- It’s helpful to wear a hat or earmuffs: Not only will this keep your ears warm, it’ll keep your hearing aids warm, also! And the warmer your hearing aids are, the more ideally they’ll be functioning. 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.
- 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 make sure you have a full charge before heading out into any severe weather.
- Try not to get your hearing aids wet: Be cautious 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 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 bit wet, but it’s not a great idea to leave it that way longer than you have to.
- When you aren’t using your hearing aids, store them in a dry and warm spot: This will help prevent moisture from causing problems with your hearing aids. You’re most likely asking: “How do I eliminate moisture from my hearing aids”? In the majority of cases, you can dry it off and then leave it someplace warm and dry.
- Use accessories to keep your hearing aids strapped to your ears: There are all manner of straps and clips you can use to make sure your hearing aids stay in place. If you’re participating in any strenuous activities like snowboarding or sledding, this is especially true.
- We can help ensure your hearing aid fits correctly: At times, when they get really cold, hearing aids can be uncomfortable. Reduce 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. Well, now you’ve got some answers.
If your hearing aid quits working, what should you do?
Of course, even in the optimal weather conditions, your hearing aid may occasionally quit working. You can take a few basic steps to troubleshoot your device (make sure your device is dry and the batteries are charged, for example). If you still can’t determine why they’re not working, we should be able to help you with that.
You can still enjoy life even in the cold!
There are lots of reasons why you might want to stay inside when it’s -10 degrees outside. Perhaps you aren’t a winter person. Maybe you’re going to cook yourself some yummy warm soup. Possibly snowmobiles aren’t your jam. What’s important here is not to let problems with your hearing aid impact your quality of life, even when it’s winter.
That’s especially true if you take care of your devices, and follow the guidelines outlined above. Give us a call if you have any questions about how your hearing aids might be impacted by the cold.