Skiing is a seasonal pursuit many anticipate throughout the year, and for excellent reason! But if you wear hearing aids, you might wonder if it’s secure (or practical) to keep them on the mountain. Hitting the slopes with your hearing aids is entirely feasible, provided you follow some basic precautions to shield your equipment and preserve your hearing. Before your next run, let’s examine several factors concerning your hearing aids.
Value of Maintaining Hearing Aids on the Mountain
Better Attentiveness on the Slopes
Skiing demands good situational awareness. The ability to hear approaching skiers, instructors, or lift operators will help keep you safe. Your hearing aids improve clarity, particularly in crowded areas like lift lines and ski school zones.
Streamlined Interaction While On The Slopes
Maintaining your hearing aids in simplifies communication when you are skiing with your companions or an instructor. Hearing instructions, warnings, or plan changes clearly helps you avoid the annoyance of miscommunication.
Staying Connected in the Lodge
Using your hearing aids allows you to comfortably socialize and interact with staff while in the lodge.
Examining Possible Challenges
Challenges Posed by Winter Weather
Extreme cold can impact battery performance and cause devices to drain more quickly. While hearing aids generally tolerate winter conditions, it’s smart to keep spare batteries or a portable charger on hand.
Moisture and Wetness Exposure
Snow can melt and cause moisture to enter the microphone or battery compartment. While water-resistant models are useful, note that no device is truly waterproof. Helmets, or ear coverings provide an extra level of protection.
Risk Of Dropping A Device
Falls happen, even to experienced skiers. A secure fit is essential to prevent your devices from coming loose on the slopes.
How to Keep Hearing Aids Safe While Skiing
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Wear a helmet or ear covering: A ski helmet with covers, or a warm headband, can protect Hearing Aids from air, moisture, and force.
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Apply security clips or fasteners: These small accessories help to keep hearing aids secure during movement.
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Newer models are often better equipped to withstand moisture than older Hearing Aids.
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Bring a drying kit: Applying a dehumidifier overnight can help remove moisture picked up during the day.
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Keep spare batteries or a charger: Cold weather decreases battery efficiency, so backup power is important.
Circumstances For Leaving Hearing Aids Off
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Wind noise is overwhelming during high-speed runs.
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You have older devices that are more sensitive to moisture.
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You’re skiing in heavy snow or wet 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 common strategy. It’s your decision, and both approaches can work.
Making A Personal Choice About Hearing Aids
Many people safely wear hearing aids while skiing by following proper precautions. If communication and situational awareness matter most to you, keeping them in may be the better choice. If you worry 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 help you create a safety plan for your devices this winter. Reach out to us for an appointment.