Beverly Hills Hearing Center was founded in 1983 by Bonnie Baehr. Prior to that, Dr. Baehr practiced at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles as a staff audiologist for seven years. She was involved with diagnostic testing, hearing aid evaluations, research and rehabilitation. Dr. Baehr did her clinical fellowship training at the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic in downtown Los Angeles. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, American Speech Language and Hearing Association, California Academy of Audiology and Academy of Doctors of Audiology.
Latest posts by Bonnie L. Baehr, Au.D. (see all)
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Being outdoors and enjoying nature, fresh air, and physical activity can be beneficial to mental and physical health. Whether taking walks in the park, hiking trails, gardening, or participating in sports, outdoor activity has positive impacts. But for those who wear hearing aids, it might be challenging to picture having an active outdoor lifestyle.
However, hearing aids shouldn’t keep people from enjoying the outdoors. With proper care and a few helpful tips, hearing aids can be easily used in most outdoor activities. Here, we will discuss ways to enjoy the outdoors comfortably and safely while wearing hearing aids.
Benefits of Outdoor Activities for Hearing Aid Users
Being outdoors can lower stress levels, improve overall health, and help people remain connected to others. While people wearing hearing aids might feel uneasy about engaging in those activities for fear of damaging or losing their devices, there are ways to avoid potential issues and focus on important and fulfilling outdoor sounds.
Hearing aids allow people to hear birds singing, leaves rustling, and even water flowing. These sounds help to keep people engaged in the world around them and their minds active and alert. Another benefit of being outside is providing the opportunity for social interaction. Whether a walk with a friend, a group hike, or a game, social engagements help support emotional and mental health.
Tips for Outdoor Activities with Hearing Aids
Some people worry about using hearing aids during outdoor activities. Common concerns include:
- Protect Your Devices from Moisture
- Manage Wind Noise
- Make Sure They Fit Securely
- Plan Ahead of Changing Weather Conditions
Thankfully, most modern hearing aids can handle active lifestyles, and with planning, it’s easy to enjoy the outdoors while wearing them.
Protect Your Devices from Moisture
Moisture is one of the main threats to hearing aids. This can be handled easily by employing hearing aid covers or sweatbands that fit around the ears. Doing this will protect the hearing aid from sweat and rain. Keeping a waterproof case while outside is important too, in case they need to be removed quickly. Be sure to wipe hearing aids off after being outside to keep them clean and moisture-free.
Manage Wind Noise
It’s important to recognize that wind noise can make it more challenging to hear. One way to combat this is by using wind protection covers explicitly designed for hearing aids. Many advanced hearing aids offer settings that can block out wind noise, too.
Hearing aids that connect to smartphone apps offer settings to help adjust to outdoor environments and can filter out background noise.
Make Sure They Fit Securely
A secure fit for any hearing aid is important, but especially so for an active lifestyle. Some hearing aids offer ear hooks, clips, or hearing aid retention cords that can help keep them in place during physical activity. These are helpful when running, cycling, or participating in team sports.
Plan Ahead for Changing Conditions
One way to protect hearing aids is by carefully planning and checking the weather. If there is a chance of rain or high winds, it might be beneficial to take a hat or headband to provide additional protection to the hearing aid.
Staying Social and Safe Outdoors
Outdoor activities are a great way to stay connected with friends and family. In those environments, hearing aids can significantly improve participation from those with hearing loss.
Ways to improve conversations in outdoor areas include:
- Stand close to the person speaking so you can hear and see them.
- Choose quieter outdoor areas when possible, like calm trails or open parks.
- Use visual cues like hand signals or gestures during sports or group games.
Make sure to plan by bringing extra batteries or a portable charger to ensure the hearing remains functional for the entire time of the outdoor events.
Conclusion
Hearing aids shouldn’t be viewed as a hindrance to enjoying outdoor activities. With a bit of planning and the right tools, you can hike, walk, garden, play sports, or simply enjoy the sounds of nature with confidence. Outdoor activities not only support your physical health but also boost your mood and help you stay socially connected.
By engaging in helpful strategies and caring for hearing aids, anyone can make the most of their time outdoors while wearing them.