Numerous people eagerly anticipate skiing, an exhilarating winter sport, for the whole season. But if you use hearing aids, you may wonder if it’s safe (or feasible) to wear them on the mountain. Hitting the slopes with your hearing aids is possible, assuming you follow some simple protective steps to shield your devices and preserve your hearing. Before your next run, let’s review several factors regarding your hearing aids.
Benefits of Wearing Hearing Aids While On The Slopes
Enhanced Safety and Awareness
Skiing requires acute situational awareness. The ability to hear skiers approaching or instructors speaking is key to maintaining protection. Your hearing aids can boost clarity, particularly in congested areas like lift lines and ski school zones.
Improved Communication With Your Group
Wearing your hearing aids in helps communication when you are skiing with your group or an instructor. Hearing guidance, warnings, or plan changes accurately reduces the frustration of miscommunication.
Socializing with Confidence at the Resort
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
Cold temperatures often reduce battery efficiency; as a result, devices drain faster. It is a good idea to have spare batteries or a charger, as cold weather may affect performance.
Exposure To Dampness And Water
Snow can melt and cause moisture to enter the microphone or battery compartment. While water-resistant models are helpful, note that no device is truly waterproof. Using a helmet, headband, or ear covering provides an extra layer of protection.
Risk of Losing a Device
Falls happen, even to experienced skiers. A secure fit is important to prevent your devices from coming loose on the slopes.
Best Practices For Hearing Aid Safety on The Mountain
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A helmet with ear flaps, or a warm headband, offers protection from wind, moisture, and impact.
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Apply retention clips or fasteners: 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 drying kit can be used to remove moisture from your devices overnight.
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Since cold weather decreases battery efficiency, keeping spare batteries or a charger is essential.
Circumstances For Leaving Hearing Aids Off
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Wind noise is overwhelming during high-speed runs.
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Your older devices are highly sensitive to moisture.
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You’re skiing in heavy snow or wet 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 valid.
Hearing Aids While Skiing: A Personal Decision
You can wear hearing aids while skiing, and many people do so comfortably with the right precautions in place. If communication and situational awareness matter most to you, keeping them in may be the better choice. If you’re worried about moisture or device loss, you might opt to keep them protected until you’re off the mountain.
Your hearing care provider is available to give guidance and help you create a safety plan for your devices this winter. Reach out to us for an appointment.