Hearing Aids and Sports: What Athletes Need to Know
Modern hearing aids are designed to fit every wearer’s lifestyle. That means you can do anything with your hearing aids that you used to do without them. Thankfully, this holds even for exercising.
Exercising with hearing aids isn’t just possible but is also recommended. Wearing your hearing aids while playing soccer, spending a day on the golf course, or while at the gym help you keep safe and ensure you stay in communication with other athletes. However, you need to take extra care while at sport or exercising and after you are through with your activity. Here are a few things athletes need to know about their hearing aids.
The advantages of wearing hearing aids while playing sports
Communication is a key part of playing team sports. Your ability to hear teammates and coaches, as well as instructions and warnings from officials, is essential to sports performance.
Besides communication, your ability to hear boosts your situational awareness and provides performance feedback, such as the crisp click you hear when a driver makes proper contact with a ball. Since your hearing is precisely connected to balance, hearing aids also enhance your balance which boosts your performance and helps prevent injuries.
Generally, unless your favorite sports activity involves diving into the water, you will reap numerous benefits by wearing hearing aids during sports or fitness activities. There are no waterproof hearing aids, so you should remove your devices before submerging or immersing in water.
Keeping your hearing aids dry while playing sport
Heavy sweating or the chance of being caught in the rain are the two major issues you should deal with to keep your hearing aids safe while exercising. Consider consulting your audiologist regarding protective fabric products that can quick-dry moisture or sweat from your hearing aids when sweating.
You might also consider rechargeable hearing aids. These devices are completely sealed, so they are better protected. In addition, the charging unit functions as a drying box, helping to dry and sanitize your hearing aids overnight.
Alternatively, you can use a quality antiquated headband to absorb sweat before it gets into your hearing aids internal wiring and battery. This option performs two functions by holding your hearing aid in place. However, because your hearing aids are water-resistant, sweat is less likely to cause damage to them.
Protecting your hearing aids during exercise
Another concern is how to prevent your hearing aids from falling out and getting lost or damaged. The good news is that this risk is manageable even when you play contact sports such as soccer, touch football, or basketball. Speak with your hearing aid consultant about your sports and workout activities, so they can recommend the best ear mold fit possible. In addition, consider wearing a hearing aid clip with a lanyard to avoid losing your devices. These devices attach to your hearing aids and clothes for loss prevention.
Clothes also play a vital role in the protection of your hearing aids. Consider investing in zip-front sweatshirts instead of hooded clothes, which can interfere with your hearing aid placement. Bike helmets and baseball hats should also be properly sized to avoid interfering with a comfortable hearing aid fit.
You also need to ensure your hearing aids are of strong quality and lightweight but flexible material such as silicon. This way, you will not have to worry about protection while enjoying your sports activities.
Caring for your hearing aids after exercising
It’s important to take some elementary steps after working out to ensure that your hearing aids are completely clean, dry, and ready for your next adventure. The best and simple practice is always cleaning your hearing aids after wearing them during exercise to eliminate any ear wax or other debris.
A dry box is one of the most useful pieces of equipment in helping maintain your hearing aids after being exposed to moisture. Keeping your hearing aid in one of these enclosed systems overnight ensures that any remaining moisture is safely removed. Most units also sanitize the hearing aids while ensuring no bacteria grows inside or the tubing when damp.
If you participate in sports regularly, you should consider investing in a hearing aid dehumidifier that can be used to eliminate excess sweat immediately after an activity. Wipe down your hearing aid after removing them, remove the battery and place your aids in the dehumidifier.
While wiping moisture from the surface and battery compartment is essential, that doesn’t eliminate the moisture that has found its way into the sensitive electronics. A dehumidifier will ensure your hearing aids are thoroughly dry, inside and out.
Endnote
Having a hearing aid does not have to stop you from participating in your favorite sport or fitness activity. With the right protective equipment and appropriate care, your hearing aids are one of the essential instruments you can wear during playtime. Speak with your hearing health professional about what specific exercise or sport you play to ensure that you get the best hearing aid that will work for you.