Many individuals keenly await skiing, a thrilling sport, for the whole season. However, for those who utilize hearing aids, it is natural to question the security and feasibility of using them while 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 preserve your hearing. Today, we’ll look at a few items to evaluate before heading to the slopes.

The Value of Retaining Hearing Aids During Skiing

Enhanced Safety and Attention

Ensuring good situational awareness is essential for skiing. Being able to hear others approaching or instructors speaking is key to maintaining protection. 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 eases communication when you are skiing with your group or an instructor. You’ll be able to hear instructions, warnings, or changes in plan without the frustration of miscommunication.

Engaging Comfortably in the Lodge

Using your hearing aids enables you to easily socialize and talk to staff while in the lodge.

Understanding The Potential Issues

Impact of Low Temperatures

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

Exposure To Snow And Moisture

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

Risk Of Dropping A Device

Falls happen, even to experienced skiers. Maintaining a secure fit is crucial to prevent the loss of your devices while skiing.

How to Keep Hearing Aids Safe While Skiing

• Use a headgear or ear covering: A ski helmet with covers, or a warm headband, can shield Hearing Aids from air, moisture, and impact.

• Retention clips or sports locks are useful for keeping your hearing aids securely fastened.

• Choose water-resistant models if possible: If you have newer Hearing Aids, they may already be built to withstand moisture better than older versions.

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

• Keep spare batteries or a charger: Cold weather decreases battery efficiency, so extra energy is necessary.

When You Might Not Want to Use Hearing Aids While Skiing

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

• Your older devices are very sensitive to moisture.

• You are skiing in heavy conditions.

• You do not have retention accessories and are worried about device loss.

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 valid.

Making A Personal Decision About Hearing Aids

Many people safely wear hearing aids while skiing by following proper precautions. Prioritizing communication and awareness, wearing your aids may be the best option. Concerns about moisture or device loss may lead you to keep them protected until you are off the mountain.

Your hearing care provider is available to give guidance and develop a safety plan for your devices this winter. Schedule your consultation today.