For most people, summer means heading outdoors and going camping, jumping in the pool, or taking a trip to the beach. But when the leaves start falling and temperatures start dropping, it’s a great time to ensure your hearing aids’ performance do not follow suit.
Let’s take a look at how the winter weather can impact your hearing aids and what you can do about it.
Why does the cold put your hearing aids at risk?
Simply put: Cooler weather means more condensation. Why? When warm air comes in contact with cool air, the warm air cools and moisture begins to condense. The same thing happens in your hearing aids: Moisture forms inside hearing aids as they are cooled by the winter air.
Thankfully, most of today’s hearing aids’ circuits are designed to withstand the effects of condensation to a certain extent. However, condensation and moisture in general can still negatively impact your hearing aids’ batteries and microphone ports.
Because disposable hearing aid batteries are made with only a narrow gap separating the positive and negative poles, a pinhead-sized drop of water is big enough to bridge the gap and short out the battery. Likewise, if any moisture beads-up outside of the hearing aid case, a bead can cover the tiny microphone port and prevent the microphones from picking up sound.
What can you do to combat the cold?
To prep for the winter, it’s critical that you take several steps to keep your hearing aids in the best condition possible and keep them working for as long as possible.
Step 1. Put together a hearing aid kit.
For those without a kit, now’s the time to put one together. Building a hearing aid kit will ensure that you are prepared to properly maintain your hearing aids this season. To begin putting your kit together, you’ll need a:
- Small container with a secure lid (to put everything in)
- Magnifying glass
- Cleaning tools (small brushes & wax picks)
- Microfiber cloth
- Spare battery supply or charger
- Wax guard supply
Now you have all the tools you need to take care of your hearing aid, all in one place!
Step 2. Develop a solid nighttime routine.
Did you know that it’s important to take your hearing aids out at night? This helps the hearing aids to air out and allows you to perform proper maintenance. If you’d like to learn more about why it’s best to take your hearing aids out at night, read our post about Hearing Aids and Sleep.
Overnight drying is important all the time, but in the winter, it’s essential. When you take your hearing aids out for the night, open up the battery compartment. If you discover any moisture, remove it with the microfiber cloth in your new hearing aid kit. Afterwards, leave the battery aid compartment to air out overnight.
If you find excessive amounts of moisture, leaving the battery door open may not be enough. Consider putting your hearing aids in a Super Dri-Aid Jar overnight. Plus, being small, the jar is easy to take with you when travelling throughout the holiday season.
Step 3. Find ways to keep your ears warm.
If your ears are cold, so are your hearing aids, and guess what? Letting your ears get too cold will increase the chances of moisture from condensation building up inside your hearing aids. There’s a simple fix for this: Keep your ears warm with winter gear.
Wearing absorbent cloth over your hearing aids wicks away moisture from perspiration and precipitation. Plus, wearing winter head gear reduces wind noise. Winter hats, beanies, and ear muffs are all great options for keeping your ears and hearing aids warm.
In short, build a hearing aid kit, develop a good nighttime routine, and keep your hearing aids dry. Maybe even stock up on some batteries, just to be safe. With that, you should be all set to take on the winter months!
Still have some questions or concerns?
If you still need help preparing your hearing aids for the winter, Advanced Affordable Hearing is here. Since 1996, we’ve been shipping hearing aids directly to your door at a cost you can afford.
To speak with one of our friendly customer service representatives, please contact us now.