Playing Sports With Hearing Aids
Playing sports and exercising is completely possible for people who wear hearing aids. Thankfully, people can add many useful accessories to hearing aids so they can do their favorite activities and play their favorite sports without hassle.
Many modern hearing aids are designed to support active lifestyles and stay functional.
Why It’s Important to Wear Hearing Aids During Sports and Exercise
Hearing aids help people stay aware of their surroundings, which is important while engaging in any type of sport or activity. Runners and hikers must be able to hear vehicles, bikes, and wild animals approaching. Those who play team sports must be able to hear shouts and commands from their coaches and teammates.
Hearing aids are also critical to excelling at certain sports and activities. Without hearing aids, it can be difficult to hear or detect a speeding ball or an approaching teammate.
A bonus to many of today’s hearing aids is that they have bluetooth technology that allows them to pair with phones. Those who enjoy listening to music while working out at home or at the gym can launch music apps on their phones and listen to their favorite tunes without needing to remove their hearing aids.
How to Protect Hearing Aids During Exercise
Sweat and moisture are top concerns among people who wear hearing aids while playing sports or exercising. Excess moisture can often damage and ruin the mechanical components of the hearing aid.
Sweatbands that absorb moisture are available for hearing aids that are worn behind the ear. These sweatbands are snug and small enough to cover the hearing aids and protect them from sweat, dirt, and dust. In-ear hearing aids don’t usually require added protection from sweat, though an audiologist can confirm this information based on the style and manufacturer of the hearing aids.
Headbands, clips, and head guards are available for those who need their hearing aids to stay in place while running, jumping, or playing contact sports.
Headbands and clips keep hearing aids in place, so they do not fall off. Head guards are ideal for those who play contact sports like football or hockey. These devices also keep hearing aids in place and protect other players who may accidentally cut themselves on the hearing aids.
People who play sports with hearing aids can consult with their audiologists about the best accessories they can use to protect themselves, other players, and their hearing aids. Audiologists can also make sure the hearing aid accessories fit properly and that they are the right accessories to use for certain sports and activities.
How to Clean Hearing Aids Following Exercise
After exercise sessions, hearing aids should always be cleaned to remove wax, dirt, and debris. Cleaning the hearing aids after every session can help them stay in optimal working condition and prevent the need for repairs or replacements.
Hearing aids can be cleaned using a standard hearing aid cleaning kit. Debris and wax can be removed using a wax pick, while dust and loose dirt may be removed using a brush or dry cloth. Sweat and moisture can be removed using a puffer, or the hearing aids can be left in a dry box or dehumidifier overnight.At Sonora Hearing Care, LLC, we understand the importance of caring for your hearing aids while staying active through sports or exercise. Our audiologists can talk to you in greater detail about hearing aids and sports and will be happy to get you properly fitted for hearing aids you can wear on the field, court, track, or gym. Contact us today at (520) 881-8740 to schedule a consultation and learn more about our hearing services.