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<\/p>\nWinter in Charleston may not be as brutal as in some parts of the country (we\u2019re looking at you, Minnesota), but occasional cold spells can mean trouble for people with hearing aids. In order to keep them functioning properly all winter long, we\u2019ve got some tips for you.<\/p>\n
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Any high-tech electronic device is going to be susceptible to temperature extremes, and hearing aids<\/a> are no exception. During the winter months, cold weather can sap the batteries quickly and condensation can cause a short circuit (or worse). <\/p>\n With holiday receipts piling up this time of year faster than snow in Duluth (we have nothing against Minnesotans, we swear), we\u2019re guessing you\u2019re not too keen on paying out-of-pocket for a potentially costly hearing aid repair. To keep you in the black, your Charleston audiologist recommends the following care tips for your hearing aids during the winter.<\/p>\n Cold temperatures can quickly deplete hearing aid batteries<\/a>. Cover them up with a warm hat, scarf, earmuffs or stocking cap when wearing them outdoors, and avoid leaving them in a cold car or near a drafty window. <\/p>\n \tIf you\u2019re going skiing, snowboarding, skating, or participating in another winter sports activity, you might be better off removing them temporarily and keeping them in a safe place until you are finished. If you\u2019re traveling out of town over the holidays, pack lots of extra batteries<\/strong>\u2014especially if you\u2019re going someplace cold. Like Minnesota. (We\u2019ll stop now, we swear.)<\/li>\n Moisture and electronics don\u2019t mix<\/a>. <\/p>\n \tPeriod. Even if it\u2019s cold outside, any type of vigorous physical activity can still cause you to perspire. Keep sweat away from your hearing aids<\/strong> by wearing a moisture-wicking hat or a hearing aid sweatband for behind-the-ear devices. Condensation<\/a> poses similar hazards; the heat your body generates outdoors condenses into moisture when you go back inside, enough to potentially damage your hearing aids. <\/p>\n \tTake them out as soon as you return indoors and wipe them down<\/strong> with a soft cloth to get rid of moisture. Keep the battery compartment open overnight<\/strong> to allow them to ventilate, and use a dehumidifier to prevent moisture buildup if you have one.<\/li>\n In addition to the above, if your hearing aids do become wet, don\u2019t try drying them off by placing them near a heating source or using a hair dryer<\/strong>; these might cause your devices to melt. <\/p>\n \tMake sure you have a ready supply of batteries on hand<\/strong> to offset unanticipated shortages, and if you are the extremely active outdoorsy type, you might want to think about buying water-resistant hearing aids for peace of mind.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n To learn more about caring for your hearing aids during the cold winter months, give a Charleston audiologist a call.<\/p>\nHow can you protect your hearing aid from winter weather?<\/h3>\n
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Protect your devices from the cold<\/h4>\n
Prevent moisture from damaging hearing aids<\/h4>\n
Miscellaneous<\/h4>\n
Learn about Hearing Aids:<\/h3>\n
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Our NE South Carolina Area Audiologists Office Locations<\/h3>\n