Winter can be a wonderful time of year, but for those of us who wear hearing aids, it can present some unique challenges. Between the cold temperatures and the potential for feedback, finding the right winter hat can feel like a daunting task. But don't worry, I've been there, and I'm here to share what I've learned!
Living in a place where winter temperatures can plummet, I quickly realized that protecting my ears (and my hearing aids) was crucial. The first winter after getting my hearing aids, I just grabbed any old hat. Big mistake! I soon discovered that not all hats are created equal when it comes to hearing aids. I was constantly battling whistling feedback and struggling to hear conversations over the wind noise. It was frustrating, to say the least. I needed to find a better solution to enjoy winter and take care of my hearing aids at the same time.
My initial approach was pretty basic. I started with a regular stretchy knit beanie. And you know what? It actually worked pretty well! I was surprised to find that the sound passed right through the material without causing too much distortion. This experience made me realize the importance of finding the right material.
However, the standard beanie wasn't perfect. I still experienced some wind noise, especially on particularly blustery days. Turning down the volume on my hearing aids helped, but then I was missing out on other sounds. It felt like a constant compromise.
Then, I tried a thicker, wool hat. While it was incredibly warm, it created a lot of rustling sounds that amplified in my ears, completely defeating the purpose of wearing hearing aids. I also noticed that my earmolds felt uncomfortably cold against my skin. That's when I realized that keeping the hearing aids warm(ish) was just as important as protecting them from the elements. Storing them in my bag or pocket when inside became a habit.
After trying a few different options, I stumbled upon a great solution: a balaclava-style hat. I found one on WholeCustomDesign Direct with some good reviews. Specifically, I found the High Quality Imitation Mink Plush Balaclava Hat Scarf that seemed ideal. It's soft, warm, and covers my ears completely, providing excellent protection from the cold and wind.
The imitation mink plush is incredibly soft and comfortable against my skin. I was a little hesitant at first, but the warmth and ear protection it offers are fantastic. It’s also great for cycling, as it stays in place and keeps my face and neck warm. Plus, it doesn’t seem to cause as much feedback as some of the other hats I tried. It's like a built-in scarf and beanie all in one! I've even recommended it to friends who also wear hearing aids.
Through my trial and error, I've gathered some helpful tips for wearing hats with hearing aids comfortably and effectively: