Winter is beautiful, but it can be tough when you rely on hearing aids. I love being outdoors, but the cold weather always presented a challenge. Finding a hat that kept me warm without messing with my hearing aids felt impossible. After a lot of trial and error, I've finally figured out a few things that work, and I'm excited to share them with you.
I remember one particularly frustrating winter. I was constantly adjusting my hearing aids, battling feedback, and feeling generally uncomfortable. I tried different hats, but nothing seemed quite right. Either the hat was too tight and caused whistling, or it was too loose and let the wind howl in my ears. It was a real struggle to balance warmth and clear hearing. The cold itself was also a problem; I worried about damaging my hearing aids in the extreme temperatures.
My first breakthrough came when I tried a simple, stretchy knit beanie. I was surprised to find that it worked pretty well! The sound passed right through the material without causing major issues. I’ve found that a regular beanie is often the best first step. It’s a simple solution that can make a big difference, plus it helps block out the wind.
Another thing I learned is that adjusting the volume on my hearing aids can help a lot. When I'm outside in the cold, and I start to get feedback, I simply turn the hearing aids down a notch. It's a quick fix that allows me to enjoy the outdoors without constant irritation. It's important to get used to wearing them in the cold, so you can still hear what's going on around you.
Living in a place where temperatures regularly drop to -40°C (that’s seriously cold!), I had to find a way to protect my hearing aids from the elements. I discovered that keeping them warm before putting them on is key. I'll often keep them in my bag or pocket until I'm inside, which helps prevent the earmolds from getting uncomfortably cold.
Of course, not everything was perfect. One issue I encountered was the annoying rustling sound when wearing a beanie. It could be quite loud and distracting, almost defeating the purpose of wearing hearing aids in the first place. I've found that the material of the beanie makes a big difference. A tighter knit, or a beanie with a lining, can minimize the rustling sound.
Speaking of beanies, I recently came across the Street Style Label Beanie Hat from WholeCustomDesign Products.
It's a brimless, vintage dome hat that's adjustable, which I thought might be a good fit. I haven’t tried this specific model yet, but the adjustable fit seems promising for minimizing feedback. I’m planning on ordering one and seeing if it provides a good balance of warmth and clear sound. I’ve heard good things about WholeCustomDesign Products and their commitment to quality.
Wind noise can be a major issue with hearing aids. Even though newer models have technology to combat wind noise, it’s not always enough. I've found that a beanie helps a lot in blocking out the wind and reducing that annoying whistling sound. Of course, a good fit is essential to prevent feedback. I've been able to successfully wear a beanie without feedback, but I guess it depends on the individual and the specific hearing aid.
Here’s a summary of what I’ve learned about wearing hearing aids comfortably in the winter: