Millions of people use hearing aids to remain connected to the world. They provide support and help those with hearing health issues. These remarkable devices help improve their communication and improve the quality of life. However, like most electronic devices, hearing aids become sensitive to their environments. This can be particularly true when they are operating in extreme temperatures. Understanding how to protect your hearing aids when in these harsh conditions is important to maintain their functionality and reliability.
The Impact of Heat on Hearing Aids
Because hearing aids contain small electronic components, high temperatures can be particularly damaging to them. This can cause microphones, batteries, and even speakers to be impacted. Problems include:
- Battery issues: Extreme heat can drain battery life and, in some circumstances, cause batteries to leak. This can cause damage to other internal parts.
- Moisture buildup: Heat causes us to sweat, which can allow moisture to get inside the hearing aid, which can corrode internal parts.
- Plastic damage: When hearing aids are exposed to direct sunlight, they can warp and weaken the plastic casing of your hearing aid. Never leave your hearing aid in a parked car or near a window.
Cold Temperatures and Hearing Aids
Just like heat can impact hearing aids, so can cold temperatures. The most common ways are listed below:
- Battery problems: Batteries drain more rapidly in the cold, especially zinc-air or lithium-ion batteries.
- Condensation: When we move from cold, outside temperatures to warm, indoor temperatures, condensation can build up. This moisture can wreak havoc on delicate electronic components.
- Other components: Electronic components are not the only parts of a hearing aid that are impacted by temperatures. Plastic and rubber grow brittle in cold weather. This can lead to those parts cracking or breaking, which can impact the hearing aid’s functionality.
One way to protect your hearing aid is to wear hats, hoods, or earmuffs to insulate it from the cold.
Modern Hearing Aids
Hearing aid manufacturers have recognized that hearing aids need to be designed to address changing environments. Some of the ways they are doing this are listed below:
- Nanocoating: This thin layer repels moisture, sweat, and dust.
- Housings: Casings are sealed much better to protect delicate internal parts.
- Higher tolerance: Devices are routinely tested to perform within a wide range of temperatures. These are usually between 32°F and 95°F.
- Automatic adjustments: Some modern hearing aids include sensors that automatically adapt to environmental changes.
While hearing aid technology has advanced and hearing aids are far more resilient than a generation ago, they still need to be properly cared for to ensure longevity.
How to Protect Hearing Aids
- Avoid direct sunlight: It’s important to never leave hearing aids exposed to direct sunlight on a windowsill or in a car.
- Use a dehumidifier: It is important to store your hearing aids in a dehumidifier overnight to keep them free of moisture.
- Keep backup batteries handy: In cold weather, it is important to have extra batteries on hand. They can drain more quickly in cold conditions. Having extra batteries on hand makes sure you are never without hearing support.
- Wipe away moisture: After outdoor activities, be sure to remove sweat or condensation.
- Let devices adjust gradually: To avoid moisture building up, allow your hearing aids to adjust to temperature changes gradually.
- Regular maintenance: Schedule professional cleanings and checkups to keep your hearing aids functioning properly, especially after exposure to extreme weather.
Final Thoughts
Taking precautions can ensure the investment you made in your hearing health can continue to function as they were designed. It is important to keep them dry and wipe them off when using them in cold or hot weather. Think of them as you would any other electronic device. Also, remember to have them in for regular maintenance to ensure they are functioning correctly.
When hearing aids are properly cared for, they will continue to reliably function regardless of the weather. Make sure to take the proper steps to protect your hearing technology.