Modern hearing aids are designed to keep up with your lifestyle. Whatever the weather! Wet, cold, dry, humid, your hearing aids should be able to handle it.
However, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take some proactive, protective measures. A few simple steps can help protect your hearing aid devices. When you consider the impact they have on your quality of life, it’s easy to see why keeping them in tip-top shape is important.
We’re taking a closer look at how you can look after your hearing aids in winter.
Hearing Aids Tips for Winter
Just like extreme heat or humidity in the summer can damage hearing aids, cold and wintry weather can pose a threat too. Whether you’re a new hearing aid user or this is your first winter with hearing aids, a few simple things can help protect your hearing aids in cold weather.
Keep Your Devices Covered & Protected
Batteries and extreme cold don’t often get along. So it’s no surprise that the small batteries in your hearing aids may stop working in very cold temperatures. Most hearing aids use zinc-air batteries, which are sensitive to both humidity and temperature.
The best protection for your devices is preventative: keep them covered and sheltered from the elements. If you’re outside in a winter storm, cover your ears with earmuffs or a hat. This will help to protect your hearing aids from the elements, keep them dry, and it will help keep you warm too. It’s a win-win!
Be Mindful of Moisture
Cold temperatures often cause an increase in condensation. As the temperatures drop, exterior surfaces become cold. This includes the surface of your hearing aids. When you return to the warmth inside, moisture and condensation can form on the cold surfaces. If this moisture gets inside your hearing devices, it could cause electrical damage.
If you suspect that your device may have been damaged by moisture, there are a signs things to look out for:
- Your hearing aid becomes garbled or cuts out when you hear a loud noise
- The sound from your hearing aids is distorted
- Your hearing aid stops working for prolonged periods
You can reduce the risk of moisture by ensuring you cover up appropriately when going outside. Wear hats or earmuffs, and consider investing in a hearing aid dehumidifier to help keep your hearing aids dry throughout winter.
Protect Your Hearing Aid Batteries
Batteries in hearing devices are more susceptible to damage during the winter months. It’s important to keep them out of extreme cold temperatures wherever possible. More critical, though, is to keep them dry.
We recommend inspecting your hearing aid before you turn it off at night. Make sure to remove the batteries and wipe the battery compartment thoroughly with a warm, dry cloth before storing.
Remove Your Hearing Aids When Necessary
Popular winter activities, by their very nature, can involve cold and wet. Skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and snowmobiling are all common activities in the winter. Protect your hearing aids from excess moisture by removing them when you know you’re going to be enjoying these outdoor activities. Just remember to tell the people you’re with that you’ve taken them out!
Need Help? Contact Us Today!
The above tips will help you to protect your hearing aids in cold weather. If you’ve got any questions, or would like to discuss any concerns you may have around your device’s performance this winter, why not come in to discuss?
At Anderson Audiology, our specialists are available to help. Call us today at 702-997-2964. Alternatively, click here to request an appointment online.