Numerous individuals keenly await skiing, an exhilarating winter sport, for the whole season. But if you use hearing aids, you may question if it’s secure (or feasible) to keep them on the mountain. Skiing with your hearing aids is possible, assuming you take some simple precautions to shield your devices and preserve your hearing. Today, we’ll look at a few items to evaluate before heading to the slopes.
Advantages of Wearing Hearing Aids While On The Slopes
Improved Situational Awareness while Skiing
Ensuring high situational awareness is vital for skiing. The ability to hear approaching skiers, instructors, or lift operators is crucial for keeping you safe. Using your devices may help you hear more effectively, especially in crowded areas like lift lines or ski school zones.
Improved Talking With Your Companions
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
Using your hearing aids enables you to comfortably socialize and interact with staff while in the lodge.
Reviewing Possible Challenges
Challenges Posed by Winter Weather
Extreme cold can impact battery performance and cause devices to drain more quickly. While hearing aids generally tolerate winter conditions, it’s smart to keep spare batteries or a portable charger on hand.
Protecting Devices From Damp Conditions
Melted snow can lead to moisture entering the battery or microphone area. 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 Losing a Device
Falls happen, even to experienced skiers. A secure fit is essential to prevent your devices from coming loose 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 protect Hearing Aids from wind, moisture, and force.
-
Retention clips or sports locks are useful for keeping your hearing aids securely fastened.
-
Select water-resistant models if possible: If you have newer Hearing Aids, they may already be designed to withstand moisture better than older versions.
-
Carry a dehumidifier: Applying a dehumidifier overnight can help remove moisture accumulated during the day.
-
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
-
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.
Skiing without aids and reinserting them indoors is a choice. The choice is yours, and either approach is acceptable.
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. If you’re worried about moisture or device loss, you might opt to keep them protected until you’re off the mountain.
Your hearing care provider can offer guidance and develop a safety plan for your devices this winter. Schedule your consultation today.
The content of this blog is the intellectual property of MedPB.com and is reprinted here with permission.
The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive a personalized free hearing test and hearing loss consultation, call today to set up an appointment.
