As I stare out at the remaining piles of snow remaining in my yard, I start an internal checklist of the many things I need to remember to stay comfortable and warm while running errands today. Do I have enough layers on? Is this jacket sufficient for today’s forecast? Where are my warmest socks and gloves? Will these boots be waterproof for the snow and ice I may have to navigate through?
As you make your list to head out the door, make sure to think of your assistive technology, such as hearing aids, and how to protect them from the elements. Hearing aids are tiny computers with delicate circuits that can be vulnerable when exposed to extreme heat and cold. It’s important to take the following precautions when bringing them along on a winter stroll outside:
Keep Spare Batteries or Your Charger With You: Whether your hearing aids take batteries or are rechargeable, be sure to keep a power source with you. Winter temps can drain batteries quicker than normal.
If you notice sound distortion, reverberations, or no sound coming from your hearing aid at all, contact your hearing care professional to have them diagnosis the issue. Winter can be a time to have fun and explore as long as we take proper precautions both for ourselves and our helpful technology!
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