Colorado winters bring bright bluebird days, snowy weekends in the mountains and big swings in temperature. Your hearing aids come along for all of it. A few simple habits help them keep up with the season, from the drive up I-70 to an evening by the fireplace in Greenwood Village.
Why winter is hard on hearing aids
Hearing aids are small electronic devices that sit in a warm, slightly humid spot: your ear. In winter, they move constantly between very different conditions:
- Cold outdoor air while you walk the dog, shovel the driveway or wait for a ski lift.
- Warm, heated rooms as soon as you step back inside.
- Moisture from snow, sleet, sweat under a hat or helmet, and condensation.
When a cold device comes into a warm room, moisture can form on and inside it, much like a cold glass on a summer day. Over time, moisture is one of the most common reasons hearing aids start to sound weak, crackly or intermittent.
Managing moisture: the biggest winter issue
Wipe them down daily. At the end of the day, gently wipe your hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth. Pay attention to microphone openings and the part that sits in your ear.
Use a drying container or dehumidifier. Many wearers store their hearing aids overnight in a drying kit or electronic dryer. If you have rechargeable hearing aids, follow your manufacturer's guidance, since some chargers already include a drying function and others should not be combined with separate drying products.
Let them warm up gradually. If your hearing aids have been out in the cold, give them a few minutes to adjust before putting them in a warm, closed case or charger.
Watch the sweat factor. Skiing, snowshoeing, shoveling and winter workouts can make you sweat under hats and helmets. After active days, take a little extra time to dry your devices.
Batteries and charging in the cold
Cold temperatures can affect battery performance, both disposable and rechargeable.
- Disposable batteries: Keep spares in an inside pocket close to your body rather than in the car or a cold coat pocket. Store unopened packs at room temperature.
- Rechargeable hearing aids: Charge them indoors at room temperature each night. Avoid leaving the charger in a cold car or garage.
- Plan for long days out: If you'll be on the mountain or outdoors all day, make sure your devices are fully charged or carry fresh batteries.
If your battery life seems noticeably shorter than usual, it's worth having the devices checked rather than guessing.
Hats, earmuffs and helmets
Winter gear and hearing aids can work well together with a little care:
- Choose hats and headbands that are snug but not tight over your ears, which helps prevent devices from being pushed out of place.
- Put your hat or helmet on carefully and take it off slowly, so a hearing aid doesn't get pulled off and lost in the snow.
- Consider a hearing aid clip or retention cord for skiing, sledding or other active outings.
- Be aware that thick fabric can sometimes cause whistling (feedback). If that happens often, we can look at your fit and settings.
Static, dry air and indoor heating
Colorado's dry winter air and indoor heating can create static electricity. Touch a grounded metal object before handling your hearing aids, and avoid rubbing them on wool or fleece. Keep devices away from space heaters, radiators and fireplaces, as direct heat can damage them.
A simple winter routine
- Wipe hearing aids with a dry cloth each evening.
- Store or charge them in a dry, room-temperature spot overnight.
- Keep spare batteries warm and close to your body.
- Check domes, wax guards and tubing for moisture or buildup.
- Use a retention clip for active outdoor days.
When to schedule a clean and check
Schedule a visit if you notice:
- Sound that is weak, distorted, crackling or cutting in and out
- Shorter battery life than usual
- New whistling or feedback
- Visible moisture or corrosion
Our team at Elevation Audiology in Greenwood Village can clean your devices, check their performance and make sure they're ready for the rest of the season. A quick check before a ski trip or holiday travel can save frustration later.
Ready for a winter check-up? Book an appointment with Elevation Audiology and we'll help you keep hearing clearly all season long.