Numerous people keenly await skiing, an exhilarating cold-weather sport, all year long. But if you wear hearing aids, you may question if it’s secure (or feasible) to keep them on the mountain. Skiing with your hearing aids is entirely feasible, assuming you take some simple protective steps to guard your equipment and maintain your hearing. Today, we’ll look at a few items to consider before heading to the slopes.

The Importance of Maintaining Hearing Aids During Skiing

Better Attentiveness on the Mountain

Maintaining high situational awareness is essential for skiing. The ability to hear nearby skiers, instructors, or lift operators will help keep you safe. Your hearing aids improve clarity, particularly in congested areas like lift lines and ski school zones.

Streamlined Conversations While On The Mountain

Maintaining your hearing aids in eases 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

Whether you’re ordering food, talking to staff, or warming up with your group, wearing your devices allows you to move through your ski day with confidence and comfort.

Potential Risks to Consider

Cold Temperatures

Low temperatures frequently reduce battery efficiency; consequently, devices drain faster. While hearing aids generally tolerate winter conditions, it’s smart to keep spare batteries or a portable charger on hand.

Exposure To Dampness And Moisture

Thawing snow may lead to moisture entering the battery or microphone compartment. Water-resistant hearing aids assist, but no device is completely waterproof. Wearing a helmet, headband, or ear covering provides an additional layer of protection.

Potential For Physical Loss

Even experienced skiers may fall at times. Ensuring a secure fit is crucial to prevent the loss of your devices while skiing.

How to Keep Hearing Aids Safe While On The Slopes

• Use a headgear or ear covering: A ski helmet with covers, or a warm headband, can protect Hearing Aids from air, moisture, and force.

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

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

• A drying kit is helpful 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.

• Your older devices are highly sensitive to moisture.

• You’re skiing in heavy snow or wet conditions.

• You lack retention accessories and are worried about device loss.

Leaving devices off while skiing 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 easily with the right precautions in place. If you prioritize communication and awareness, wearing your aids may be the best option. Concerns about moisture or device loss may lead you to 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. Contact us for a consultation.