The cold, wintry conditions can damage your hearing aids if you fail to take proper precautionary measures. Hearing aids are usually repairable. However, prevention can save you a ton of trouble. Below is some valuable insight into preventing cold weather and moisture from harming your hearing aids. It also offers some information on how to avoid weather damage to the devices.
Hearing Aids and the Bad Weather
Extreme temperatures can cause damage to hearing aids and batteries. The chill itself is not always harmful, but condensation caused by temperature changes can harm hearing aids’ interior components. Moisture is present even when it is not snowing or pouring since significant temperature swings are prevalent in the winter. For instance, you should wrap from head to toe and wear a cap if you walk outside in 20 degrees Fahrenheit weather.
However, it may be approximately 50 degrees warmer if you go inside since you have turned the heat on. Even if you immediately remove your coat and other cold gear, the temperature difference might cause condensation on your hearing aids. Also, if you walk fast, your head may start sweating, putting your hearing aids at risk of damage.
Moisture Damage Signs
Moisture can damage your hearing aids’ microphone and receiver. It can also block the earmold tubing and sounds and induce corrosion. Below are a few warning signs that your hearing aids may be damaged due to moisture:
- Your hearing aid will cut off during loud noises.
- Unstable sounds as it fades in and out.
- Static distortion in everything you hear.
- Your hearing aids completely shut down and restart. This may occur several times.
Hearing Aid Fixes
Below are the first few things you should check if you suspect your hearing aids are exposed to moisture:
- Check if it is turned on and the t-switch is in the right place.
- Check if the batteries are properly placed if it uses disposable batteries.
- Check that the battery is not oxidized. Immediately discard batteries if it has white powdery material.
- Use a dry cloth to clean and remove any moisture that may come in contact with your hearing aids.
If none of these seems to be the problem, you might have dampness in your hearing aid. Look for moisture droplets in the tubing of your behind-the-ear (BTE) or any other hearing aid type.
Use Earmuffs for Protection
Earmuffs aren’t just for maintaining warm ears when ice skating or fishing. They are designed expressly to protect your ears from harmful noise. Limiting your noise exposure can help prevent even further damage if you already have hearing loss.
Get a Pair of Sweatbands
Some active hearing aid users sweat outside while participating in winter activities. You may also be caught outside during severe snowfall or freezing rain. A pair of sweatbands can help reduce moisture, especially in your BTE hearing aids.
People who use hearing devices should pay careful attention to them in such conditions. Some hearing aid batteries may have a shorter life in cold weather than in warm weather, and water drops in moist environments can also make things worse. You can reach out to your hearing health professional if you have concerns or are looking for hearing aid repairs before the cold weather arrives.
