Numerous individuals keenly await skiing, a thrilling sport, all year long. But if you wear hearing aids, you might wonder if it’s safe (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. Today, we’ll look at a few items to consider before heading to the slopes.
Value of Using Hearing Aids on the Slopes
Enhanced Safety and Awareness
Skiing demands good situational awareness. The ability to hear others coming up or instructors speaking is key to staying safe. Wearing your hearing aids may help you hear more clearly, particularly in crowded areas like lift lines or ski school zones.
Improved Communication With Your Companions
Keeping your hearing aids in helps communication when you are skiing with your group or an instructor. Listening for instructions, warnings, or plan changes clearly reduces the frustration of miscommunication.
Engaging Comfortably in the Lodge
Using your hearing aids allows you to comfortably socialize and interact with staff while at the resort.
Potential Dangers to Evaluate
Challenges Posed by Winter Weather
Cold temperatures frequently reduce battery efficiency; consequently, devices drain faster. While hearing aids generally tolerate winter conditions, it’s prudent to keep spare batteries or a portable charger on hand.
Exposure To Snow And Moisture
Snow can melt and cause moisture to enter the microphone or battery compartment. Water-resistant hearing aids assist, but no device is completely waterproof. Headbands, or ear coverings provide an extra layer of protection.
Risk Of Dropping A Device
Even skilled skiers can fall occasionally. Maintaining a secure fit is vital to prevent the loss of your devices while skiing.
Best Practices For Hearing Aid Safety on Slopes
- Headgear with ear flaps, or a warm headband, offers protection from wind, moisture, and impact.
- Retention clips or sports locks help keep your hearing aids securely fastened.
- Choose moisture-proof models if possible: If you have newer Hearing Aids, they may already be designed to withstand moisture better than older models.
- Carry a dehumidifier: Applying a dehumidifier overnight can help remove dampness accumulated during the day.
- Have spare batteries or a charger: Cold weather decreases battery efficiency, so backup power is necessary.
Scenarios For Taking Hearing Aids Off
- 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 choose 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.
Making A Personal Decision About Hearing Aids
Many people comfortably wear hearing aids while skiing by following 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. Contact us for a consultation.