Hearing aids experience a wealth of different climates throughout the space of a year. But do they need caring for in a different way in the coldest conditions?
Cleaning Routine
It does not matter if you are in a sun drenched 30˚c or a frozen -5˚c, your hearing devices still need to be cleaned daily. The best thing to do first is to give your hearing aids a visual inspection. You will then be able to see clearly the areas that need cleaning. You should begin by using a soft cloth to clean your aids gently. Do not ever use water or place your aids in water as this could ruin them. Once you have wiped them over, you can begin to use the small brushes and tools to dislodge any ear wax that may have built up.
An example of a hearing aid cleaning kit.
Moisture
Sometimes after being out in the cold for a while, moisture or condensation can work its way into your hearings aids. When you are back home, remove them for a short while to give them a rest. A good way of helping any moisture leave is by opening the battery door for a while. If you have rechargeable aids, you can wipe them carefully with a dry cloth. There are also hearing aid dehumidifiers you can purchase to ensure moisture is always removed.
An example of a hearing aid drying system.
Battery Life
Severely cold weather could drain your hearing aid battery faster than usual. It’s a good idea to try and prevent them from getting too cold. It would also be advisable to take spare batteries or a charger with you if you’re going out for a long period of time. Be sure not to store any batteries or chargers in your car whilst it is cold as it could cause them damage.
Hats & Scarves
Be careful when putting any hats, scarves or earmuffs on so you don’t dislodge your hearing aids. When you remove your accessories again, always check that your hearing aids have not been dislodged and you still have them. A fantastic feature on Phonak’s Infinio range is that you can track your hearing aids using the myPhonak app. If you do lose them somewhere, you can check the app as soon as you realise and locate them easily.
Always check your hearing aids have not been dislodged when taking hats and scarfs off.
Hearing aids are sturdy little things and are built to survive through all different types of weather. You don’t need to worry too much about them in the colder months. As long as you regularly clean them and ensure any moisture is removed as soon as possible, they can enjoy the winter as much as you. If you’d like any further advice, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.
