Skiing is a seasonal activity many look forward to all year, and for excellent reason! But if you use hearing aids, you might wonder if it’s secure (or practical) to keep them on the mountain. In many cases, you can ski with your hearing aids, as long as you take a few precautions to protect both your devices and your hearing. Before your next run, let’s examine key factors regarding your hearing aids.
Value of Maintaining Hearing Aids on the Mountain
Better Attentiveness on the Slopes
Maintaining good situational awareness is essential for skiing. Being able to hear skiers coming up or staff speaking is key to staying safe. Wearing your hearing aids may help you hear more clearly, especially in crowded areas like lift lines or ski school zones.
Streamlined Conversations While On The Mountain
Maintaining your hearing aids in eases communication when you are skiing with your group or an instructor. Hearing guidance, warnings, or plan changes accurately helps you avoid the frustration 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.
Examining Possible Risks
Cold Temperatures
Extreme cold can impact battery performance and cause devices to drain more quickly. It is a good idea to have extra batteries or a charger, as cold weather may affect performance.
Moisture and Snow Exposure
Thawing snow can 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.
Risk of Losing a Device
Falls happen, even to experienced skiers. A secure fit is essential to prevent your devices from falling out on the slopes.
How to Keep Hearing Aids Safe While Skiing
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A helmet with ear flaps, or a warm headband, provides protection 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 models 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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As cold weather decreases battery efficiency, having spare batteries or a charger is crucial.
Times When Hearing Aids Should Be Left Behind
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You’re doing high-speed runs where wind noise is overwhelming.
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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.
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
Many people comfortably wear hearing aids while skiing by taking the right precautions. 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 develop a safety plan for your devices this winter. Call us to book a consultation.