Many individuals keenly await skiing, a cold-weather sport, for the whole season. However, for those who utilize hearing aids, it is natural to ask about the security and practicality of using them while on the mountain. Skiing with your hearing aids is entirely feasible, provided you follow some simple protective steps to guard your equipment and maintain your hearing. Before your next run, let’s examine key factors regarding your hearing aids.
Benefits of Using Hearing Aids While Skiing
Increased Safety and Attention
Maintaining good situational awareness is vital for skiing. The ability to hear nearby skiers, instructors, or lift operators will help keep you safe. Wearing your hearing aids may help you hear more clearly, especially in crowded areas like lift lines or 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. Listening for instructions, 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 helps you move through your ski day with confidence and comfort.
Examining Possible Risks
Impact of Cold Temperatures
Extreme cold can impact battery performance and cause devices to drain more quickly. It is a good idea to have extra 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. Wearing a helmet, headband, or ear covering adds an extra barrier of protection.
Potential For Physical Loss
Falls happen, even to experienced skiers. A secure fit is important to prevent your devices from falling out on the slopes.
Methods For Keeping Hearing Aids Protected
- A helmet with ear flaps, or a warm headband, offers protection from wind, moisture, and impact.
- Retention clips or sports locks are useful for keeping your hearing aids securely fastened.
- Select moisture-proof models if possible: If you have newer Hearing Aids, they may already be designed to withstand moisture better than older models.
- A drying kit can be used to remove moisture from your devices overnight.
- Have spare batteries or a charger: Cold weather decreases battery efficiency, so backup power is necessary.
When You Might Not Want to Use Hearing Aids While On The Slopes
- Wind noise is overwhelming during high-speed runs.
- Your older devices are very sensitive to moisture.
- You are skiing in wet conditions.
- You’re concerned about device loss and don’t have retention accessories.
Leaving devices off while skiing and reinserting them indoors is a common strategy. It’s your decision, and both approaches can work.
Making A Personal Choice About Hearing Aids
Many people comfortably wear hearing aids while skiing by taking proper precautions. 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 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. Call us to book a consultation.