Your hearing aids are critical pieces of technology, and you rely on them daily to hear clearly and stay connected to the world around you. Because you need to wear them daily, however, they are often exposed to the elements, which, if you’re not careful, can shorten their lifespan. While winter here in Ocala is quite mild and not particularly cold, let’s discuss some ways to protect your devices for colder nights and when you’re traveling.
How Winter Conditions Can Affect Hearing Aids
Moisture is the biggest concern when wearing hearing aids in cold weather. Cold air cannot hold as many water molecules as warmer air, so instead of floating in the air, moisture accumulates on surfaces, like windows and your glasses (that’s why your car windows get so wet in the winter). It also lands on your hearing aids. This effect is especially dramatic when the temperature changes rapidly, such as when you enter a warm building after being outside in the cold.
The temperature itself can also present a hazard to your hearing aids. You may notice that your battery life decreases quite a bit in cold conditions; this is because batteries generate power through a chemical reaction that requires heat to function. If there’s less heat in the environment, the batteries have to work harder to create the same amount of power.
Ways to Protect Your Devices
The quickest and most effective way to protect your devices from winter conditions is to cover them up. Wearing earmuffs, a hood or a scarf over your hearing aids will insulate them from temperature swings and protect against moisture. One small caution, however: if your scarf or covering over your hearing aids also covers your mouth, moisture from your breath can saturate the scarf and still get your hearing aids wet. Be wary of this.
You should also consider drying your hearing aids in a hearing aid drying kit overnight after a day in the cold. This will combat any moisture accumulation that may have occurred throughout the day due to condensation. Remove the batteries and air out the battery compartment while your hearing aids are in the drying kit to help prevent corrosion at the battery ports.
How Your Audiologist Can Help
Having your hearing aids professionally cleaned at your audiologist’s office will significantly help combat moisture accumulation. We can use specialized tools to clean those nooks and crannies that you can’t get to at home.
If you notice any issues with your hearing aids after being exposed to cold weather, such as significant battery issues, malfunctioning, distorted sound quality or feedback, come visit our in-office repair center. We can diagnose the issue with your devices and perform many types of repairs, and if we can’t repair the problem here, we can send your devices to the manufacturer.
Call Beneficial Hearing Aid Center today if you’re in need of a professional cleaning or hearing aid repair. We’re also available to answer any questions you may have about traveling with your hearing aids or wearing them in the cold.