Your hearing aids are an important investment that allows you to communicate with those you love most. Because of this, you want them to last as long as possible, and you also want to prevent any damage that could necessitate manufacturer repairs that could take weeks. What many don’t know is hearing aids need a little extra care in cold winter months. Below we’ve compiled tips for keeping your devices in tip-top shape this winter season.
Why Hearing Aids Hate Winter Weather
There are several factors in play during the winter that can affect the performance of your hearing aids, the main ones being cold and moisture.
While the cold doesn’t necessarily harm the delicate electronics within your hearing aids, it can sap your batteries much faster than warmer weather. Be mindful of this, especially if you plan a trip to Stevens Pass away from your home and stores that sell hearing aid batteries to ensure you pack enough.
In addition, extreme temperature changes can cause condensation to build up, meaning your hearing aids are at risk of moisture damage. Even if it happens to not be raining or snowing outside, moisture damage can result from going from cold winter air outside to your warm house while all bundled up.
Signs of Moisture Damage
The microphone, receiver and earmold tubing are especially susceptible to moisture damage. Signs your devices have moisture damage include:
- Sound cutting out during a loud noise
- Fading in and out
- Static
- Distorted/unclear sound quality
- A dead hearing aid, even if it eventually restarts
How to Combat Moisture Damage
If you think your hearing aids have been compromised, be sure to…
- Make sure the hearing aid is turned on with the t-switch in the right position
- Check that the batteries are in correctly and don’t show signs of corrosion
- Wipe off the battery contacts (where the batteries touch the devices) with a dry cloth or cotton swab
- Identify whether the earmolds or domes contain visible moisture
- Invest in a dehumidifier to store your hearing aids in at night
For more information about caring for your hearing aids in cold weather or to schedule a clean and check appointment for your devices, call Evergreen Speech & Hearing Clinic today.