Exercising with hearing aids

Having hearing aids doesn’t mean you should stop exercising

Modern hearing aids are designed to suit your lifestyle, so you can keep on moving. However, there are steps you should take to ensure your hearing aids are not being exposed to excessive sweat or moisture while exercising which can damage the delicate internal electrical components. 

Can I exercise with hearing aids?

Yes, you can exercise while wearing hearing aids. However, it’s important to take the proper aftercare steps when maintaining your hearing aids to reduce the risk of damage to the electrical components as a result of sweat or moisture. Proper maintenance can go a long way to ensure the longevity of your hearing devices.

Remember to take your hearing aids out if you are swimming! You may also wish to remove your hearing aids during contact sports such as rugby where the hearing aids could be knocked from your ears or damaged.

Why wear hearing aids while exercising?

  1. Communication
    Wearing your hearing aids while exercising means you can communicate better with those around you. This is particularly useful when playing team sports. Without your hearing aids, you may miss key instructions or may not be able to hear your teammates if there is a lot of background noise.

  2. Personal safety
    Being completely aware of your surroundings can help you identify any potential hazards and take actions to ensure your safety. This will mean you can hear any important announcements and warnings, nearby people and sounds.

Protecting your hearing aids

You should also inspect your hearing aids regularly for signs of damage. Check your hearing aids for signs of wear, discolouration or any unusual build-up. If your hearing aids just aren’t functioning like they used to, check in with your local clinic to ensure they are in good condition. An appointment is not usually required to have your hearing aids checked, you can just pop in to your clinic and discuss this with our friendly frontline team.

Wear a sweatband

Sweat and other moisture can damage your hearing aids and increase the likelihood that your hearing aids will need to be replaced. Wearing a sweatband to keep sweat off your ears may be helpful. It is also possible to purchase specialised hearing aid protectors to keep the moisture out of your device. Your local Bay Audiology clinic can give you advice about what may be suitable.

Secure your hearing aids

One common problem most hearing aid users face is keeping your hearing aids in place while exercising, particularly if you enjoy sports like running or aerobics. Try a close-fitting headband or cap to keep your device in place, or invest in a hearing aid clip or lanyard to keep your hearing aids from getting lost should they fall out.

Dry your hearing aids after use

It’s important to dry your hearing aids after wearing them, especially after exercising. Use a dehumidifier or electronic drying box to remove any excess moisture and keep your hearing aids in good working condition.

Post-workout hearing aid care

There are a few ways you can maintain your hearing aids, including:

  • Wiping away any moisture from your hearing aids after your workout using an alcohol based wipe to remove skin oils and sweat.
  • Shower before you reinsert your hearing aids.
  • Remove any earwax or debris that may have built up.
  • Dry out your hearing aids, particularly after periods of high exertion where you are more likely to sweat.

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