Many individuals eagerly anticipate skiing, a cold-weather sport, all year long. But if you use hearing aids, you might question 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 safeguard both your devices and your hearing. Today, we’ll look at a few items to consider before hitting the slopes.
The Importance of Retaining Hearing Aids During Skiing
Increased Safety and Attention
Skiing requires acute situational awareness. The ability to hear skiers coming up or staff speaking is key to maintaining protection. Your hearing aids can boost clarity, particularly in congested areas like lift lines and ski school zones.
Improved Talking With Your Companions
Maintaining your hearing aids in simplifies 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.
Staying Connected in the Lodge
Utilizing your hearing aids guarantees that you are able to engage and interact with staff while at the resort.
Assessing The Challenges
Impact of Low Temperatures
Extreme cold can impact battery performance and cause devices to drain more quickly. While hearing aids generally tolerate winter conditions, it’s prudent to keep spare batteries or a portable charger on hand.
Exposure To Dampness And Moisture
Snow can melt and cause moisture to enter the microphone or battery compartment. While water-resistant models are helpful, remember that no device is truly waterproof. Headbands, or ear coverings add an extra level of protection.
Potential For Physical Loss
Falls happen, even to experienced skiers. A secure fit is essential to prevent your devices from coming loose on the slopes.
Steps For Keeping Hearing Aids Protected
- Headgear with ear flaps, or a warm headband, provides protection from wind, moisture, and impact.
- Use retention clips or fasteners: These small accessories help to keep hearing aids secure during activity.
- Newer devices are often better equipped to withstand moisture than older Hearing Aids.
- A drying kit is helpful to remove moisture from your devices overnight.
- Have spare batteries or a charger: Cold weather decreases battery efficiency, so extra energy is important.
When You Might Not Want to Wear Hearing Aids While On The Slopes
- You’re doing high-speed runs where wind noise is overwhelming.
- You have older devices that are more sensitive to moisture.
- You’re skiing in heavy snow or wet conditions.
- 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. The choice is yours, and either approach is acceptable.
Concluding Thoughts On Skiing And Hearing Aids
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, keeping your aids may be the best option. If you worry 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. Call us to book a consultation.