Fall is here, and the weather is turning cooler. Some people like the colder weather, and some avoid it at all costs. Either way, eventually, you are going to have to head outside. If you wear hearing aids, you should take a few precautions to avoid unnecessarily damaging your hearing aids.
Cold Weather and Moisture
Any number of outdoor activities, including just a brisk walk, may cause you to perspire. If you perspire heavily, that moisture is inevitably going to end up in the hearing aid. Moisture and electronics are never a good combination.
Fluctuations in temperature can also cause damage to a hearing aid and to hearing aid batteries. This is because the condensation that forms when the temperature fluctuates can enter and damage the hearing aid’s electronic components in the same way that perspiration can damage your hearing aids.
How to Prevent Damage in Cold Weather
- Purchase a hearing aid drying kit or dehumidifier. Remove your hearing aid batteries from the hearing aid and store just the hearing aids in the dri-aid kit every night.
- Use an umbrella in the rain and make sure your ears are covered in the snow.
- If you think your hearing aid has gotten wet, remove the battery immediately.
- Hearing aid sweatbands or spandex covers can be purchased to help protect your hearing aids from moisture.
Do You Have a Problem?
How do you know if your hearing aids may have been damaged by perspiration or extreme temperature changes? Here are some signs:
- Your hearing aid cuts out during loud noises.
- The sound fades in and out.
- Sounds are unclear or seem distorted.
- Your hearing aid works intermittently.
Solutions
If you think your hearing aids have been damaged as a result of moisture from perspiration or moisture caused by fluctuations in temperature, check the following:
- Start by not leaving your hearing aids outside in cold weather (in a purse or the case in your car overnight are two common occurrences).
- Make sure your hearing aid is turned on, and the T-switch is in the right position. (no, it has nothing to do with the cold weather, but it’s Step 1 in troubleshooting).
- The batteries. Make sure they have been inserted correctly. Check to make sure the battery is not corroded. If it is, it will have a white powdery substance and should be thrown out immediately.
- Check the tubing that connects to the earmold to ensure it is not clogged with moisture (shown by water or condensation in the tube).
- If you already own a dri-aid kit and your hearing aid has been exposed to moisture, place it in the dri-aid kit immediately.
If none of these solutions work, call our office today. We’ll get you an appointment as soon as possible to help you arrive at a solution.