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Cold air outside, heated rooms inside and the Algarve’s winter humidity create a perfect recipe for condensation. Hearing aids work hard in these conditions. Microphones and receivers are tiny; even a film of moisture can blunt clarity, trigger intermittent cut-outs or cause rustle. Batteries are sensitive too. Zinc-air cells rely on oxygen from the air, so performance shifts with temperature and humidity. Rechargeable lithium-ion cells can also deliver less energy in the cold. This guide explains what the weather actually does to hearing aids, why batteries behave differently in winter, and the practical steps that keep Signia devices clear, reliable and safe.
Why winter is tough on hearing aids
When you move from a chilly pavement into a warm café, moisture in the air condenses on cooler surfaces. A hearing aid casing warms quickly against skin, but ports and tubing can lag behind. That is when tiny droplets form in microphone inlets, receiver ports or earmould tubing. Moisture can dampen the diaphragm movement that microphones and receivers rely on, reduce sensitivity and introduce distortion. If droplets collect in thin tubes or moulds, sound output falls and the aid may seem quiet or muffled until it dries.
Winter hats and scarves add a second challenge. Fabrics close to microphones can brush or rustle against ports, and tightly wrapped layers can trap humidity around the device. The aim is not to avoid warmth but to keep microphones unblocked and allow the device to breathe.
What cold does to batteries
Disposable zinc-air cells power many hearing aids. They are sealed until the tab is removed; once exposed to air, oxygen diffuses in to start the electrochemical reaction. In cold conditions the reaction proceeds more slowly and cell voltage may sag, especially if you are outdoors for a prolonged period. Sudden temperature swings also promote condensation around the battery drawer. Humidity that condenses on the cell or contacts can cause intermittent power, a premature low-battery alert or visible corrosion if a spent cell is left in place.
Rechargeable hearing aids avoid cell changes but are not immune to temperature. Lithium-ion cells deliver less energy in the cold and are happiest at moderate temperatures. Storage or charging in very hot or very cold places is unwise. Treat the charger like any quality electronics: dry, ventilated, away from radiators, bathrooms and steamy kitchens.
Daily moisture control that actually works
Small, consistent habits make the biggest difference. If you use behind-the-ear devices with thin tubes or moulds, a quick visual check for fogging in the tubing can prevent hours of muffled sound. If you spot droplets, detach the earmould or thin tube from the hearing aid body and let it dry in a warm, dry place. Many users find a short downward flick helps clear residual moisture from thin tubes. An air puffer can speed things along without introducing breath moisture. If condensation is repetitive, a drying pot with desiccant or an electronic drying case overnight keeps components dry and reduces morning troubleshooting.
For in-the-ear or receiver-in-canal devices, wipe the shell after shower steam or a brisk walk, and brush microphone ports gently so fine moisture beads do not trap dust. If your routine includes hair products, apply them before putting devices in. If your winter hat causes rustle, adjust the edge so fabric is not touching the microphone, or choose softer, low-friction weaves.
Smart battery habits in winter
If you use zinc-air batteries, activate them properly. Remove the tab only when you are ready to use the cell, and give the battery a brief moment to “air up” before inserting it. Carry a spare pack somewhere warm, not in a cold car glove box. If your hearing aid gives a low-battery signal outdoors in the cold, step inside before changing cells so the replacement does not start life chilled and sluggish. At home, leave the battery drawer open overnight so the compartment can air, and never store or charge hearing aids in bathrooms where humidity is high. Do not leave a spent battery in the device; deep-drained cells are more likely to swell or leak.
If you use a Signia rechargeable model, keep the charger and devices dry. A drying case that is approved for your specific Signia model can combine safe storage with gentle drying. If the aids get damp, power them off, wipe carefully and allow a full dry before charging. As with any lithium-ion device, avoid charging in very cold spaces or on radiators. Normal room temperatures are best for both safety and longevity.
Clothing, fit and quick checks on wet days
Outerwear is part of winter hearing care. If collars, scarves or hats brush microphones, you will hear rustle or sudden volume shifts. A small repositioning of a beanie edge, a softer scarf, or a different collar height can remove the contact point. If your earmould or dome feels loose after a dash through rain, remove the device, dry the ear and the coupling, and check for water inside tubing or the wax guard. Replace damp wax guards and domes with spares if sound remains dull after drying. If tubing repeatedly fogs in cold conditions, your audiologist can advise on low-condensation tubing and check the fit.
When to book a quick check
Most winter hiccups resolve with drying and simple handling tweaks. Book an appointment if any of the following happen. Sound stays persistently dull despite a full dry and a fresh battery or charge. Your battery life drops suddenly without a clear change in use. You see corrosion or greenish residue on a battery, drawer or contact. Moisture problems repeat daily despite overnight drying. Your earmould or dome feels loose or whistles frequently after coats and scarves went into rotation. These are quick, fixable issues in clinic: re-tubing, new domes or wax guards, microphone cleaning, seal checks or, if needed, service.
A note on storage, travel and safety
Treat hearing aids like premium electronics. Do not leave them in a parked car where temperatures swing. Keep them out of direct heat and away from kettles, saunas and hairdryers. Store spare zinc-air cells at room temperature and never loose with coins or keys. Recycle used batteries at designated collection points. For rechargeable models, use the manufacturer-approved charger and follow basic safety guidance. If a device or charger is damaged or water-logged, stop using it and arrange an inspection.
Not only about ears
Winter hearing is not only about ears. It is also about miniature microphones, receivers and batteries that dislike condensation and temperature extremes. The fix is mostly routine. Keep devices dry overnight, activate and change zinc-air cells properly, protect microphones from fabric rustle and arrange a quick check when small problems repeat. If you use Signia devices, ask which drying case and spares suit your exact model so your daily routine is simple and safe. A few steady habits keep clarity high through cold mornings, damp evenings and everything in between.
References
NHS Imperial College Healthcare. Removing condensation from hearing aid tubing. https://www.imperial.nhs.uk/-/media/website/patient-information-leaflets/audiology/removing-condensation.pdf
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Children’s hearing aids: condensation and drying advice. https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/resources/childrens-hearing-aids/
RNID. Adjusting to your hearing aids: moisture and tubing advice. https://rnid.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Adjusting-to-your-hearing-aids-ER-2018.pdf
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Common faults with hearing aids: condensation and tubing. https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/services/hearing-and-balance-service-audiology/common-faults-with-hearing-aids/
