The Winter’s Impact on Hearing Aids: What To Know

Posted on by Advanced ENT & Allergy

If you’ve ever found yourself shivering in the cold of Mountwell Park with your ears feeling the brunt of winter, it’s essential to consider the well-being of your hearing aids. These little electronic wonders are particularly sensitive to extreme temperatures and moisture. Cold weather can drain hearing aid batteries faster and affect performance. Additionally, moisture from snow, rain and perspiration can lead to damage inside your devices.

Approximately 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from hearing aids. These small devices amplify speech sounds to promote communication clarity. For all that they offer, you probably want to do everything possible to ensure you can enjoy your devices for as long as possible. Understanding the potential risks your hearing aids face during winter is the first step in prevention. Let’s delve into how to manage these challenges effectively.

Regular Cleaning is Key

Smiling woman hiking through the snowy woods.

Maintaining a stringent cleaning regimen for your hearing aids is always important, but it becomes even more crucial in winter. With colder temperatures encouraging the use of hats, scarves and layers, the potential for debris and moisture to be trapped in or near your devices increases.

Make it a habit to check your hearing aids daily, wiping them down with a soft, dry cloth to remove dirt, moisture or wax. Each week, dedicate time to a deeper clean. This involves removing earwax, dust and other blockages from the microphone ports and sound outlets. If you’re unsure how to clean your devices, consult your manual or hearing aid specialist.

Protecting Your Hearing Aids from Moisture and Condensation

Winter’s fluctuating temperatures can lead to condensation forming inside your hearing aids when moving from cold outdoor air to warm indoor environments. This moisture can compromise functionality and cause issues like muffled sound or complete shutdown. To help keep moisture at bay, store your hearing aids in drying jars when not in use.

Troubleshooting for Winter Hearing Aid Issues

Despite your best efforts, you may encounter some winter-related issues with your hearing aids. Changes in sound quality, such as muffled sounds or frequent shutdown, can indicate moisture or debris interference. Perform a thorough cleaning and check for any visible issues. If the problem persists, get in touch with your hearing aid specialist.

The winter season presents a unique set of challenges for hearing aid maintenance. By establishing good cleaning habits, storing your devices in drying jars and proactively troubleshooting any problems, you can ensure your hearing aids provide clear, uninterrupted sound through the winter.

To learn more about caring for your devices, contact Advanced ENT & Allergy today to make an appointment with one of our specialists.