Skiing represents a seasonal activity countless enthusiasts look forward to throughout the year, and for excellent reason! But if you wear hearing aids, you may question if it’s safe (or feasible) to wear them on the mountain. In most cases, you can ski with your hearing aids, as long as you take a few precautions to safeguard both your devices and your hearing. Today, we’ll look at a few items to evaluate before heading to the slopes.
The Value of Retaining Hearing Aids During Skiing
Improved Attentiveness while Skiing
Ensuring high situational awareness is vital for skiing. The ability to hear approaching skiers, instructors, or lift operators will help keep you safe. Wearing your hearing aids may help you hear more effectively, especially in crowded areas like lift lines or ski school zones.
Streamlined Interaction While On The Slopes
Wearing your hearing aids in eases communication when you are skiing with your group or an instructor. You’ll be able to hear instructions, warnings, or changes in plan without the frustration of miscommunication.
Socializing with Confidence at the Resort
Utilizing your hearing aids ensures that you can socialize and interact with staff while at the resort.
Understanding The Potential Issues
Challenges Posed by Cold Weather
Extreme cold can affect battery performance and cause devices to drain more quickly. It is a good idea to have extra batteries or a charger, as cold weather can impact performance.
Shielding Devices From Damp Conditions
Snow can melt and cause moisture to enter the microphone or battery compartment. While water-resistant models are useful, remember that no device is truly waterproof. Using a helmet, headband, or ear covering provides an additional layer of protection.
Risk Of Dropping A Device
Even skilled skiers may fall at times. Maintaining a secure fit is vital to prevent the loss of your devices while skiing.
How to Keep Hearing Aids Safe While On The Slopes
- Headgear with ear flaps, or a warm headband, provides protection from wind, moisture, and impact.
- Retention clips or sports locks help keep your hearing aids securely fastened.
- Choose moisture-proof models if possible: If you have newer Hearing Aids, they may already be built to withstand moisture better than older models.
- A drying kit can be used to remove moisture from your devices overnight.
- Since cold weather decreases battery efficiency, keeping spare batteries or a charger is essential.
When You Might Not Want to Wear Hearing Aids While Skiing
- Wind noise is overwhelming during high-speed runs.
- You have older devices that are more sensitive to moisture.
- You are skiing in wet conditions.
- You lack retention accessories and are worried about device loss.
Some people prefer to ski without their Hearing Aids and put them back in once they’re off the slopes and indoors again. The choice is yours, and either approach is acceptable.
Hearing Aids While Skiing: A Personal Decision
Many people safely wear hearing aids while skiing by following proper precautions. Prioritizing communication and awareness, keeping your aids may be the best option. If you’re worried about moisture or device loss, you might opt to keep them shielded until you’re off the mountain. If you’re unsure what’s best for your specific devices, your hearing care provider can help you create a plan that keeps both you and your Hearing Aids safe this winter. Contact us for a consultation.
Audiologist advice that tinnitus or hearing loss can be avoided by protecting your ears from loud noise, cold temperatures, and skiing-related exposure, while maintaining good ear health and scheduling regular hearing tests.