When is it safe to wear hearing aids or take them off during exercise? Here’s what to know.
Staying active is an important part of overall health, but if you wear hearing aids, you may wonder whether it’s safe to keep them in while exercising. Will sweat damage them? Could they fall out? Should you remove them altogether? The answer depends on the type of activity, your hearing aids, and how you protect them. Here’s what you need to know about wearing hearing aids while exercising.
Can You Wear Hearing Aids While Exercising?
In most cases, wearing hearing aids during exercise is safe. Many people prefer to keep their hearing aids in while working out to stay aware of their surroundings, follow instructions, or enjoy music and conversation. This can be especially important during outdoor activities like walking, running, or cycling, where hearing environmental sounds improves safety.
However, certain conditions, such as excessive sweat or impact-heavy workouts, may require extra precautions.
How Sweat Affects Hearing Aids
Moisture is one of the biggest risks to hearing aids during exercise. Sweat can seep into microphones and internal components, potentially causing malfunctions over time. While many modern hearing aids are moisture-resistant, they are not always fully waterproof.
If you participate in light to moderate exercise, such as yoga, weight training, or brisk walking, your hearing aids are generally safe to wear. For high-intensity workouts or long cardio sessions that produce heavy sweating, removing your hearing aids may be the better option.
Tips for Exercising Safely With Hearing Aids
If you choose to wear your hearing aids while exercising, these tips can help protect them:
- Use sweat covers or hearing aid sleeves to shield devices from moisture
- Choose secure-fit styles, such as receiver-in-canal or custom-molded options
- Wipe down hearing aids immediately after exercise with a soft, dry cloth
- Store them in a drying or dehumidifying case after workouts
These simple steps can significantly extend the lifespan of your hearing aids.
When Should You Remove Your Hearing Aids?
There are situations where it’s best to take your hearing aids out, including:
- Swimming or water-based workouts
- High-impact sports with excessive sweating
- Activities where devices may fall out or be damaged
If you rely on hearing aids for safety cues, consider alternatives like waterproof accessories or exercising in quieter, controlled environments.
Talk to Your Audiologist
Every lifestyle is different, and the best guidance comes from a professional. At Clarity Audiology, our audiologists can help you choose hearing aids designed for active lifestyles and provide personalized advice on protecting them during exercise. Whether you’re a casual walker or a dedicated athlete, we’ll help you hear clearly without compromising your routine.
If you have questions about wearing hearing aids while exercising, contact Clarity Audiology today to schedule a consultation and keep your hearing health on track.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, and Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.