Numerous individuals keenly await skiing, a cold-weather sport, all year long. But if you wear hearing aids, you may question if it’s safe (or practical) to wear them on the mountain. In many cases, you can ski with your hearing aids, as long as you take a few precautions to safeguard both your devices and your hearing. Before your next run, let’s examine key factors regarding your hearing aids.

Advantages of Using Hearing Aids While Skiing

Increased Safety and Awareness

Ensuring good situational awareness is essential for skiing. The ability to hear approaching skiers, instructors, or lift operators is crucial for keeping you safe. Wearing your hearing aids may help you hear more clearly, particularly in busy areas like lift lines or ski school zones.

Improved Talking With Your Companions

Maintaining your hearing aids in simplifies communication when you are skiing with your group or an instructor. Hearing instructions, warnings, or plan changes clearly reduces the annoyance of miscommunication.

Staying Connected in the Lodge

Utilizing your hearing aids ensures that you are able to socialize and interact with staff while in the lodge.

Potential Risks to Evaluate

Impact of Low Temperatures

Extreme cold can impact 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 Devices From Damp Conditions

Snow can melt and cause moisture to enter the microphone or battery compartment. While water-resistant models are useful, note that no device is truly waterproof. Helmets, or ear coverings provide an extra layer of protection.

Risk Of Dropping A Device

Falls happen, even to experienced skiers. 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

• Use a helmet or ear protection: A ski helmet with covers, or a warm headband, can shield Hearing Aids from air, moisture, and impact.

• Use retention clips or sports locks: These small accessories help to keep hearing aids secure during movement.

• Select moisture-proof models if possible: If you have newer Hearing Aids, they may already be built to withstand moisture better than older models.

• Carry a dehumidifier: Using a dehumidifier overnight can help remove dampness picked up during the day.

• As cold weather decreases battery efficiency, having spare batteries or a charger is crucial.

Times When Hearing Aids Should Be Left Behind

• You’re doing high-speed runs where wind noise is overwhelming.

• You have older devices that are more sensitive to moisture.

• You’re skiing in heavy snow or wet conditions.

• You’re concerned about device loss and don’t have retention accessories.

Some people choose to ski without their Hearing Aids and put them back in once they’re off the slopes and indoors again. It’s your decision, and both approaches can work.

Concluding Thoughts On Skiing And Hearing Aids

You can wear hearing aids while skiing, and many people do so comfortably with the right precautions in place. Prioritizing communication and awareness, wearing your aids may be the best option. If you’re worried about moisture or device loss, you might opt to keep them protected 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. Reach out to us for an appointment.