Skiing is a seasonal pursuit many look forward to all year, and for excellent reason! But if you use hearing aids, you might question if it’s secure (or practical) to wear them on the mountain. Skiing with your hearing aids is entirely feasible, provided you take some simple precautions to guard your equipment and maintain your hearing. Today, we’ll look at a few items to evaluate before hitting the slopes.
Advantages of Maintaining Hearing Aids on the Mountain
Better Attentiveness on the Slopes
Ensuring high situational awareness is vital for skiing. The ability to hear nearby skiers, instructors, or lift operators is crucial for keeping you safe. Using your devices may help you hear more clearly, especially in crowded areas like lift lines or ski school zones.
Streamlined Conversations While On The Slopes
Keeping your hearing aids in helps 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
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.
Assessing The Challenges
Challenges Posed by Cold Weather
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.
Protecting Devices From Damp Conditions
Snow can melt and cause moisture to enter the microphone or battery compartment. Water-resistant hearing aids assist, but no device is completely waterproof. Headbands, or ear coverings provide an extra level of protection.
Potential For Physical Loss
Falls happen, even to experienced skiers. A secure fit is important to prevent your devices from coming loose on the slopes.
Steps For Keeping Hearing Aids Protected
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Wear a helmet or ear covering: A ski helmet with covers, or a warm headband, can protect Hearing Aids from wind, moisture, and impact.
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Retention clips or sports locks are useful for keeping your hearing aids securely fastened.
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Newer models tend to be better equipped to withstand moisture than older Hearing Aids.
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Bring a dehumidifier: Using a dehumidifier overnight can help remove moisture picked up during the day.
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Keep spare batteries or a charger: Cold weather decreases battery efficiency, so extra energy is important.
When You Might Not Want to Wear Hearing Aids While On The Slopes
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You’re doing high-speed runs where wind noise is overwhelming.
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Your older devices are highly sensitive to moisture.
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You are skiing in wet conditions.
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You do not have retention accessories and are worried about device loss.
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.
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. Concerns about moisture or device loss could make you keep them protected until you are 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.
