Many people keenly await skiing, an exhilarating winter sport, all year long. But if you use hearing aids, you may question if it’s safe (or practical) to wear them on the mountain. Hitting the slopes with your hearing aids is entirely feasible, assuming you follow some simple protective steps to shield your equipment and maintain your hearing. Before your next run, let’s review key factors regarding your hearing aids.
Advantages of Maintaining Hearing Aids on the Slopes
Improved Attentiveness while On The Mountain
Skiing requires acute situational awareness. The ability to hear approaching skiers, instructors, or lift operators is crucial for keeping you safe. Your hearing aids improve clarity, particularly in congested areas like lift lines and ski school zones.
Streamlined Conversations While On The Slopes
Maintaining your hearing aids in simplifies communication when you are skiing with your group or an instructor. Listening for instructions, warnings, or plan changes clearly helps you avoid the annoyance of miscommunication.
Engaging Comfortably in the Lodge
Whether you’re ordering food, talking to staff, or warming up with your group, wearing your devices allows you to move through your ski day with confidence and comfort.
Reviewing Possible Challenges
Cold Temperatures
Extreme cold can affect battery performance and cause devices to drain more quickly. It is wise to carry extra batteries or a charger, as cold weather may affect performance.
Protecting Equipment From Wet Conditions
Thawing snow may lead to moisture seeping into the battery or microphone compartment. Water-resistant hearing aids help, but no device is completely waterproof. Helmets, or ear coverings add an extra level of protection.
Potential For Physical Loss
Even experienced skiers may fall occasionally. A secure fit is essential to prevent your devices from coming loose on the slopes.
How to Keep Hearing Aids Safe While Skiing
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Use a headgear or ear protection: A ski helmet with covers, or a warm headband, can shield Hearing Aids from air, moisture, and impact.
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Apply security clips or sports locks: These small accessories help to keep hearing aids secure during activity.
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Choose water-resistant models if possible: If you have newer Hearing Aids, they may already be built to withstand moisture better than older models.
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A dehumidifier is helpful to remove moisture from your devices overnight.
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Keep spare batteries or a charger: Cold weather decreases battery efficiency, so extra energy is important.
Scenarios For Leaving Hearing Aids Off
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You’re doing high-speed runs where wind noise is overwhelming.
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You have older devices that are more sensitive to moisture.
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You are skiing in heavy conditions.
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You’re concerned about device loss and don’t have retention accessories.
Leaving devices off while skiing and reinserting them indoors is a choice. The choice is yours, and either approach is acceptable.
Hearing Aids While Skiing: A Personal Choice
You can wear hearing aids while skiing, and many people do so easily with the right precautions in place. If communication and situational awareness matter most to you, keeping them in may be the better choice. Concerns about moisture or device loss could make you keep them protected until you are off the mountain.
Your hearing care provider can offer guidance and help you create a safety plan for your devices this winter. Contact us for a consultation.