Skiing represents a winter activity many look forward to throughout the year, and for good reason! But if you have hearing loss or tinnitus and use hearing aids, you might wonder if it’s safe (or practical) to keep them on the mountain. In most 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 several factors concerning your hearing aids.

The Importance of Maintaining Hearing Aids During Winter Sports

Enhanced Safety and Awareness

Ensuring high situational awareness is essential for skiing. The ability to hear nearby skiers, instructors, or lift operators is crucial for keeping you safe. Using your devices may help you hear more clearly, particularly in crowded areas like lift lines or ski school zones.

Easier Dialogue with Your Fellow Skiers

Keeping your hearing aids in eases communication when you are skiing with your group or an instructor. You’ll be able to hear directions, warnings, or changes in plan without the frustration of miscommunication.

Engaging Comfortably in the Lodge

Using your hearing aids allows you to comfortably socialize and interact with staff while in the lodge.

Reviewing Possible Challenges

Impact of Low Temperatures

Cold temperatures often reduce battery efficiency; consequently, devices drain more rapidly. It is a good idea to have extra batteries or a charger, as cold weather may affect performance.

Shielding Devices From Wet Conditions

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

Risk Of Dropping A Device

Even skilled skiers can fall occasionally. A secure fit is essential to prevent your devices from falling out on the slopes.

How to Keep Hearing Aids Safe While Skiing

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

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

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

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

• As cold weather decreases battery efficiency, keeping spare batteries or a charger is essential.

Moments When Hearing Aids Should Be Left Behind

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

• Your older devices are highly sensitive to moisture.

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

• You’re concerned about device loss and don’t have retention accessories.

Leaving devices off while skiing and reinserting them indoors is a common strategy. It’s your decision, and both approaches can work.

Making A Personal Decision 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 can offer guidance and help you create a safety plan for your devices this winter. Reach out to us for an appointment and a comprehensive hearing test.