Skiing is a winter pursuit many anticipate throughout the year, and for excellent reason! But if you use hearing aids, you may question if it’s secure (or practical) to keep them on the mountain. Skiing with your hearing aids is entirely feasible, provided you take some simple protective steps to guard your devices and maintain your hearing. Before your next run, let’s review several factors regarding your hearing aids.
Benefits of Wearing Hearing Aids While Skiing
Increased Safety and Awareness
Maintaining good situational awareness is vital for skiing. The ability to hear others approaching or staff speaking is crucial to maintaining protection. Wearing your hearing aids may help you hear more effectively, especially in busy areas like lift lines or ski school zones.
Improved Communication With Your Companions
Maintaining your hearing aids in simplifies communication when you are skiing with your companions or an instructor. Listening for guidance, warnings, or plan changes clearly helps you avoid the annoyance of miscommunication.
Staying Connected 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.
Examining Possible Risks
Cold Temperatures
Extreme cold can impact battery performance and cause devices to drain more quickly. While hearing aids generally tolerate winter conditions, it’s prudent to keep spare batteries or a portable charger on hand.
Exposure To Dampness And Water
Snow can melt and cause moisture to enter the microphone or battery compartment. Water-resistant hearing aids assist, but no device is completely waterproof. Helmets, or ear coverings add an extra layer of protection.
Risk of Losing a Device
Even experienced skiers may fall occasionally. A secure fit is important to prevent your devices from falling out on the slopes.
How to Keep Hearing Aids Safe While On The Slopes
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Wear a headgear or ear covering: A ski helmet with covers, or a warm headband, can shield Hearing Aids from wind, moisture, and force.
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Apply security clips or sports locks: These small accessories help to keep hearing aids secure during movement.
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Newer devices tend to be better designed to withstand moisture than older Hearing Aids.
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A dehumidifier is helpful to remove moisture from your devices overnight.
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Have spare batteries or a charger: Cold weather decreases battery efficiency, so backup power is necessary.
Times When Hearing Aids Should Be Left Behind
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You’re doing high-speed runs where wind noise is overwhelming.
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Your older devices are very sensitive to moisture.
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You are skiing in wet conditions.
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You’re concerned about device loss and don’t have retention accessories.
Skiing without aids and reinserting them indoors is a choice. It’s your decision, and both approaches can work.
Hearing Aids While Skiing: A Personal Choice
Many people comfortably wear hearing aids while skiing by taking the right precautions. If you prioritize communication and awareness, wearing your aids may be the preferred option. Concerns about moisture or device loss may lead you to keep them protected until you are off the mountain.
Your hearing care provider is available to give guidance and develop a safety plan for your devices this winter. Reach out to us for an appointment.