The importance of protecting your hearing aids in cold weather
Snow and ice used to be a rare, almost welcome, winter distraction in Ireland, but not anymore. Shifting weathers patterns means that words like ‘polar vortex’ make sense and we need to name the storms to keep track of them!
The cold, wet, icy weather doesn’t just play havoc with driving conditions, it can bring your hearing aids to a halt also.
During cold weather, or travelling to a destination where cold weather is predicted, there are a few precautions you should take to avoid unnecessarily damaging your hearing aids.
Cold weather and moisture
It’s time to shovel the driveway, or build snowmen with the kids, but all that exercise is going to make you perspire. Even a brisk walk in freezing weather conditions is bound to make you sweat a little and if you perspire heavily, that moisture is inevitably going to end up in the hearing aid. Moisture and electronics are never a good combination.
Fluctuations in temperature can also cause damage to a hearing aid and to hearing aid batteries. This is because the condensation that forms when the temperature fluctuates can enter and damage the electronic components of the hearing aid, in the same way that perspiration can damage your hearing aids.
How to prevent damage in cold weather
Purchase a hearing aid drying kit or dehumidifier. Remove your hearing aid batteries from the hearing aid and store just the hearing aids in the dri-aid kit every night.
- Use an umbrella in the rain and make sure your ears are covered in the snow.
- If you think your hearing aid has gotten wet, remove the battery immediately.
- Hearing aid sweatbands or spandex covers can be purchased to help protect your hearing aids from moisture.
Do you have a problem?
How do you know if your hearing aids may have been damaged by perspiration or extreme changes in temperature? Here are some signs:
- You're hearing aid cuts out during loud noises.
- The sound fades in and out.
- Sounds are unclear or seem distorted.
- Your hearing aid works intermittently.
Solutions to cold weather issues
If you think your hearing aids have been damaged as a result of moisture from perspiration, or moisture caused by fluctuations in temperature, check the following:
- Start by not leaving your hearing aids outside in cold weather (in a handbag, or in the glove box in your car over night are two common occurrences).
- Make sure your hearing aid is turned on and the T-switch is in the right position. (Nothing to do with the cold weather, but it’s Step One in troubleshooting).
- The batteries. Make sure they have been inserted correctly. Check to make sure the battery is not corroded. If it is, it will have a white powdery substance and should be thrown out immediately.
- Check the tubing that connects to the earmould to be sure it is not clogged with moisture (shown by water or condensation in the tube).
- Call Audiology Medical Services and get advice
Our audiologists are professionally trained and work in the most modern technology-led clinics in Ireland. We would be happy to offer some handy tips and talking points to help convince someone to come and see us for a quick and pain free test.
For more information, or to book an assessment, visit www.audiologymedicalservices.ie, or phone 1800 501 501
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