Many people keenly await skiing, an exhilarating winter sport, for the whole season. But if you wear hearing aids, you might wonder if it’s secure (or practical) to keep them on the mountain. Skiing with your hearing aids is possible, provided you take some basic precautions to guard your devices and preserve your hearing. Today, we’ll look at a few items to consider before hitting the slopes.
Advantages of Using Hearing Aids on the Mountain
Improved Attentiveness 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 clearly, especially in busy areas like lift lines or ski school zones.
Improved Talking With Your Group
Maintaining your hearing aids in simplifies communication when you are skiing with your group or an instructor. Hearing instructions, warnings, or plan changes clearly helps you avoid the frustration of miscommunication.
Staying Connected in the Lodge
Utilizing your hearing aids guarantees that you are able to engage and interact with staff while at the resort.
Reviewing Possible Challenges
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 can impact performance.
Exposure To Snow And Water
Thawing snow can lead to moisture entering the battery or microphone area. Water-resistant hearing aids assist, but no device is completely waterproof. Wearing a helmet, headband, or ear covering provides an additional layer of protection.
Risk Of Dropping A Device
Even experienced skiers may fall occasionally. Ensuring a secure fit is vital to prevent the loss of your devices while skiing.
Methods For Keeping Hearing Aids Protected
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Use a helmet or ear protection: A ski helmet with ear flaps, or a warm headband, can protect Hearing Aids from wind, moisture, and impact.
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Retention clips or sports locks help keep your hearing aids securely fastened.
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Newer devices tend to be better equipped to withstand moisture than older Hearing Aids.
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A drying kit can be used to remove moisture from your devices overnight.
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Have spare batteries or a charger: Cold weather decreases battery efficiency, so extra energy is necessary.
Scenarios For Taking Hearing Aids Off
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Wind noise is overwhelming during high-speed runs.
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Your older devices are very sensitive to moisture.
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You are skiing in heavy conditions.
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You’re concerned about device loss and don’t have retention accessories.
Some people prefer 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.
Making A Personal Choice About Hearing Aids
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 is available to give guidance and help you create a safety plan for your devices this winter. Schedule your consultation today.