Skiing represents a seasonal pursuit countless enthusiasts look forward to all year, and for excellent reason! However, for those who utilize hearing aids, it is natural to question the safety and practicality of wearing them while on the mountain. In most 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 review several factors concerning your hearing aids.

The Importance of Maintaining Hearing Aids During Winter Sports

Improved Attentiveness while Skiing

Ensuring high 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 effectively, especially 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 companions or an instructor. Listening for guidance, warnings, or plan changes clearly helps you avoid the annoyance of miscommunication.

Socializing with Confidence at the Resort

Utilizing your hearing aids ensures that you are able to engage and interact with staff while at the resort.

Potential Risks to Evaluate

Issues Posed by Winter Weather

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.

Exposure To Snow And Moisture

Thawing snow can lead to moisture entering the battery or microphone area. While water-resistant models are helpful, note that no device is truly waterproof. Using a helmet, headband, or ear covering provides an additional layer of protection.

Risk Of Dropping A Device

Falls happen, even to experienced skiers. A secure fit is important to prevent your devices from coming loose on the slopes.

How to Keep Hearing Aids Safe While Skiing

• A helmet with ear flaps, or a warm headband, offers protection from wind, moisture, and impact.

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

• Choose water-resistant models if possible: If you have newer Hearing Aids, they may already be designed to withstand moisture better than older models.

• A dehumidifier can be used to remove moisture from your devices overnight.

• Since cold weather decreases battery efficiency, keeping spare batteries or a charger is crucial.

Times When Hearing Aids Should Be Left Behind

• Wind noise is overwhelming during high-speed runs.

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

• You are skiing in heavy conditions.

• You do not have retention accessories and are worried about device loss.

Skiing without aids and reinserting them indoors is a common strategy. 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. 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. Schedule your consultation today.