Skiing is a seasonal activity countless enthusiasts look forward to all year, and for good reason! However, for those who rely on hearing aids, it is natural to ask about the safety and practicality of wearing them while on the mountain. Hitting the slopes with your hearing aids is possible, provided you take some basic protective steps to shield your devices and maintain 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
Better Awareness on the Mountain
Skiing requires good situational awareness. The ability to hear others approaching or staff speaking is crucial to maintaining protection. Your hearing aids can boost clarity, especially in crowded areas like lift lines and ski school zones.
Improved Communication With Your Companions
Wearing your hearing aids in helps communication when you are skiing with your companions 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
Keeping your hearing aids ensures that you can socialize and interact with staff while in the lodge.
Examining Possible Risks
Cold Temperatures
Extreme cold can affect battery performance and cause devices to drain more quickly. It is a good idea to carry extra batteries or a charger, as cold weather may affect performance.
Moisture and Wetness Exposure
Snow can melt and cause moisture to enter the microphone or battery compartment. Water-resistant hearing aids help, but no device is completely waterproof. Wearing a helmet, headband, or ear covering provides 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.
Steps For Keeping Hearing Aids Protected
- Wear a headgear or ear protection: A ski helmet with covers, or a warm headband, can shield Hearing Aids from air, moisture, and force.
- Apply retention clips or sports locks: These small accessories help keep hearing aids secure during movement.
- Newer models are often better designed to withstand moisture than older Hearing Aids.
- 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.
Times When Hearing Aids Should Be Left Behind
- Wind noise is overwhelming during high-speed runs.
- Your older devices are very sensitive to moisture.
- You are skiing in wet conditions.
- You do not have retention accessories and are worried about device loss.
Leaving devices off while skiing and reinserting them indoors is a common strategy. The choice is yours, and either approach is acceptable.
Hearing Aids While Skiing: A Personal Choice
You can wear hearing aids while skiing, and many people do so easily 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 worry about moisture or device loss may lead you to keep them protected until you are off the mountain. Your hearing care provider is available to give guidance and develop a safety plan for your devices this winter. Call us to book a consultation.