Skiing represents a winter activity many look forward to all year, and for excellent reason! But if you wear hearing aids, you might question if it’s safe (or practical) to keep them on the mountain. Hitting the slopes with your hearing aids is entirely feasible, provided you take some basic protective steps to guard your devices and preserve your hearing. Before your next run, let’s review several factors concerning your hearing aids.

Value of Maintaining Hearing Aids on the Slopes

Better Awareness on the Mountain

Skiing requires acute situational awareness. The ability to hear skiers approaching or instructors speaking is crucial to staying safe. Wearing your hearing aids may help you hear more effectively, especially in busy areas like lift lines or ski school zones.

Easier Communication with Your Fellow Skiers

Keeping your hearing aids in helps communication when you are skiing with your companions or an instructor. Listening for instructions, warnings, or plan changes clearly reduces the frustration of miscommunication.

Socializing with Confidence at the Resort

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

Examining Possible Risks

Cold Temperatures

Low temperatures frequently 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.

Moisture and Snow Exposure

Melted snow can lead to moisture seeping into the battery or microphone compartment. While water-resistant models are helpful, note that no device is truly waterproof. Helmets, or ear coverings provide an extra layer of protection.

Risk Of Dropping A Device

Falls happen, even to experienced skiers. A secure fit is important to prevent your devices from falling out on the slopes.

How to Keep Hearing Aids Safe While On The Slopes

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

• Apply security clips or sports locks: These small accessories help to keep hearing aids secure during activity.

• Newer devices are often better designed to withstand moisture than older Hearing Aids.

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

• Since cold weather decreases battery efficiency, having spare batteries or a charger is essential.

When You Might Not Want to Use Hearing Aids While On The Slopes

• Wind noise is overwhelming during high-speed runs.

• Your older devices are very sensitive to moisture.

• You are skiing in 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. 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 easily 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 worry about moisture or device loss could make you 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. Contact us for a consultation.