Your hearing aids work hard to help you hear and communicate with those you love, which is why you do everything you can to take care of them and make sure they stay in working order. But did you know your hearing aids need a little extra attention in the winter months? We explain why this is and how to properly care for your devices below.
Watch Out for Winter Weather
No extreme temperatures are good for the delicate, state-of-the-art electronics housed within your hearing aids, but the problem with the cold has mostly to do with moisture, specifically condensation that forms due to temperature change.
Your devices aren’t safe just because it’s not snowing or raining. If you’re wearing your hearing aids outdoors while bundled up in a full set of winter wear and then enter your heated house, the temperature change can cause condensation to form on your hearing aids right away, even if you take off your hat and scarf when you walk in the door. If you were sweating under your hat, your devices are in double jeopardy.
Cold weather poses another hazard for your hearing aids in that it can sap the battery much more quickly than warmer weather. Be mindful of this when you pack your bags for your ski trip at Snowbird so that you bring enough batteries with you.
Signs of Moisture Damage
The microphone, receiver and earmold tubing are especially vulnerable to moisture damage. Signs your devices have moisture in them include:
- Sound cutting out during a loud noise
- Fading in and out
- Static
- Distortion
- Your hearing aid not working entirely, even if it eventually restarts
What to Check Before Bringing Your Devices In
If your devices are damaged, you’ll need to bring them into an audiologist’s office to be checked and necessary repairs can be made. However, before doing this, you can try troubleshooting at home by:
- Making sure your device is turned on and the t-switch is in the correct position
- Ensuring the batteries are in correctly and not corroded
- Wiping off battery contacts with a dry cloth/cotton swab
- Checking if the earmolds or domes contain moisture or wax
For more information or to schedule an appointment with an audiologist, call Timpanogos Hearing & Balance today.
