Many people keenly await skiing, a thrilling sport, all year long. But if you wear hearing aids, you may question if it’s safe (or practical) to wear them on the mountain. Hitting the slopes with your hearing aids is entirely feasible, assuming you follow some simple protective steps to guard your devices 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 Slopes

Better Awareness on the Mountain

Skiing requires good situational awareness. The ability to hear skiers approaching or staff speaking is key to staying safe. Your hearing aids can boost clarity, particularly in crowded areas like lift lines and ski school zones.

Streamlined Interaction While On The Slopes

Wearing your hearing aids in helps communication when you are skiing with your companions or an instructor. Listening for guidance, warnings, or plan changes clearly reduces the annoyance of miscommunication.

Engaging Comfortably in the Lodge

Using your hearing aids enables you to easily socialize and talk to staff while at the resort.

Potential Dangers to Evaluate

Issues Posed by Winter Weather

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

Moisture and Snow 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 adds an extra barrier of protection.

Risk of Losing a Device

Even skilled skiers may fall at times. Maintaining 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 helmet or ear protection: A ski helmet with covers, or a warm headband, can protect Hearing Aids from air, moisture, and impact.

• Apply security clips or fasteners: These small accessories help to keep hearing aids secure during activity.

• Newer models tend to be better designed to withstand moisture than older Hearing Aids.

• A drying kit is helpful to remove moisture from your devices overnight.

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

Scenarios For Leaving Hearing Aids Off

• You’re doing high-speed runs where wind noise is overwhelming.

• Your older devices are highly sensitive to moisture.

• You are skiing in wet conditions.

• 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.

Concluding Thoughts On Skiing And Hearing Aids

Many people comfortably wear hearing aids while skiing by following proper precautions. Prioritizing communication and awareness, wearing your aids may be the best option. 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 is available to give guidance and develop a safety plan for your devices this winter. Reach out to us for an appointment.