Exercise, Sport and Hearing Aids

With the Commonwealth Games having just kicked off last night in Birmingham, we figured it would be an appropriate time to focus on sport and hearing aids. Whether a strenuous gym session or a simple stroll, we all recognise that regular exercise is essential to good health and well-being. Since modern hearing aids are versatile and adaptable, they can and should form part of your daily exercise routine.

Let’s examine why hearing aids should be a crucial part of your sports and leisure wear and how to look after them whilst you’re busy burning calories.

The Benefits of Wearing Hearing Aids Whilst Exercising

Whether as a team activity or a solo endeavour, exercise is better when connecting with your environment.

Communication

In team sports, you must be in touch with the other players on the pitch, court or arena. If you go and watch a Sunday League football match, you’ll immediately hear the range of instructions shouted between team members. The nuances of sport also rely on sound, such as cricket, where a faint nick by a batsman will be heard and not necessarily seen.

Even if you opt for a countryside stroll, you will bring to life the wide variety of nature’s sounds and the detail of conversations with your walking partner.

Safety

Better hearing means improved safety for all participants and spectators in sports and exercise. Hearing aids give us access to various cues that will enhance our leisure experience. A warning shout of “fore” in golf and the sound of approaching traffic for ramblers are familiar examples.

Music and Podcasts:

Many modern hearing aids offer wireless connectivity to your favourite music tracks or audiobooks. Sometimes this distraction will be just what you need to smash that challenging workout or keep you company during long solo endeavours. Ask your local AIHHP Hearing Aid Audiologist to demonstrate these features.

Caring for Your Hearing Aids During and After Exercise

As well as the possibility of loss or damage, one challenge facing hearing aid users during exercise is the accumulation of moisture, sweat and dirt which can harm delicate circuitry. Most modern hearing devices are pretty resistant to dust and sweat (ask your audiologist about “IP” ratings). Still, you can mitigate risk by considering a few accessories.

Sweat Bands

There are absorbent sleeves to protect your aids from moisture and dirt ingress. They are most useful for behind-the-ear hearing aids since they are more exposed to the elements.

Drying Boxes

Drying boxes are effectively a dehumidifier for your hearing aids. Following an intense workout, these are a perfect way of ridding your devices of sweat build-up. You can also use them daily as a precautionary measure.

Hearing Aid Puffer

A hearing aid puffer is a tiny device which blows air through the tubing and mouldings of hearing aids to keep them clean and free from grains of dust and dirt. It is an inexpensive way of drying out your hearing aids immediately post-workout.

Disinfectant Wipes

There are antimicrobial wipes made especially for hearing aids. Pop these in your rucksack or gym bag for convenient hearing aid cleaning whilst away from home.

Hearing Aid Clips

These helpful clips extend behind your head or attach to your clothes to prevent hearing aids from falling out.

Hearing aids can significantly enhance your sport, exercise, and leisure activities with proper planning and preparation.