How to care for your hearing aids in the coldest months

We experience a wealth of different climates throughout the space of a year. But do we need to care differently for our hearing aids in the coldest months?

Cleaning Routine

It doesn’t matter if you are in a sun-drenched 30˚c or a frozen -5˚c, your hearing devices 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 the areas that need cleaning. You need to decide which tools you require to remove the dirt and debris. 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.

Moisture

Sometimes after being out in the cold for a while, moisture or condensation can work its way into your 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.

Battery Life

Severely cold weather could drain your hearing aid batteries faster than usual. It’s a good idea to try and prevent them from getting too cold. If you’re staying away in a cold climate, be sure to take more spare batteries than you’d expect to need. Be sure not to store any batteries or chargers in your car whilst it is cold as it could cause them damage.

Hats & Scarves

As long as you are careful when putting any hats, scarves or earmuffs on, there should be no disruption to 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 new feature on Phonak’s new Infinio range of hearing aids is that you can track your hearing aids using the myPhonak app. This means if you do manage to lose them somewhere, you can check the app as soon as you realise and locate them easily.

You don’t need to worry too much about your hearing aids in the coldest months. They are sturdy little things and are built to last! 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.