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Playing Sports with Hearing Aids: Tips and Best Practices

Living with hearing loss doesn’t mean giving up on an active lifestyle. You can still participate in various activities, from driving and yoga to even competitive sports. In fact, some individuals with hearing loss have excelled in athletics, such as Miss Chui Yee Shia, crowned Miss Singapore in 2013.

While playing sports with hearing aids might seem challenging due to constant movement, it’s entirely possible with the right precautions. Let’s explore tips and best practices for safely enjoying sports while wearing hearing aids.

Choosing the Best Hearing Aids for Athletes

The ideal hearing aid for sports depends on the specific activity. Different types of hearing aids offer different advantages that can be tailored to your athletic pursuits. Discuss your chosen sport with your audiologist to determine the best fit for your needs.

In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

  • Protection from Elements: ITE hearing aids are less exposed to wind and rain, reducing the risk of damage.
  • Secure Fit: They fit snugly within the ear canal, making them less likely to fall out during vigorous activity.
  • Discreetness: ITE hearing aids are less visible, which may be preferable for some athletes.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

  • Attachment Options: BTE hearing aids can be secured to clothing with clips or bands, providing extra protection against loss.
  • Versatility: With the right protective accessories, BTE hearing aids can be suitable for a wide range of sports.
  • Durability: BTE hearing aids are generally more durable than ITE hearing aids, making them a good choice for high-impact sports.

Hearing Aid Protection During Sports

Moisture, whether from swimming or sweat, poses a significant risk to hearing aids. Choosing water-resistant hearing aids or utilising hearing aid moisture protection accessories can help safeguard your devices during physical activity.

Listening Lab’s current range of devices boasts an IP68 waterproof rating, equivalent to many modern smartphones. This means they can withstand submersion in water for a certain period.

For activities that induce sweating, sweat-proof hearing aids or sweat-resistant hearing aids are recommended. Consider using a hearing aid sweatband to wick away moisture and secure the device to your clothing, minimising the risk of damage or loss.

Waterproof and Water-Resistant Hearing Aids

Waterproof hearing aids are designed to be fully submerged in water without sustaining damage. Water-resistant hearing aids, on the other hand, can tolerate exposure to moisture but may not be suitable for swimming or other water sports. It’s crucial to choose the right level of water resistance based on your chosen activity.

Sweat-Proof and Sweat-Resistant Hearing Aids

Sweat-proof hearing aids are designed to resist the corrosive effects of sweat, while sweat-resistant hearing aids offer some protection but may require additional precautions. Sweatbands and drying kits can help manage moisture and extend the lifespan of your hearing aids.

Practical Tips for Playing Sports with Hearing Aids

1. Communicate with Your Team

Inform your coach, teammates, and referees about your hearing loss and whether you’ll be wearing your hearing aids during the game. This ensures they are aware of your needs and can make necessary adjustments, such as using visual cues or hand signals.

2. Learn Hand Signals and Visual Cues

Many sports incorporate hand signals and visual cues to communicate information. Familiarise yourself with these signals to stay informed about the game, even in noisy environments.

3. Use Protective Gear

Utilise protective gear like helmets, headbands, or hearing aid sweatbands to secure your hearing aids and shield them from impact and moisture.

Specific Recommendations for Different Sports

Running and Outdoor Sports

Engaging in running or outdoor sports demands hearing aids that can withstand the elements. Prioritise sweat-resistant hearing aids or models with an IP rating of 54 or higher to protect against moisture damage. Secure your devices with hearing aid sweatbands or clips to prevent them from falling out during vigorous movement. Consider water-resistant covers for additional protection against rain or splashes. If you frequently participate in high-impact sports, explore behind-the-ear (BTE) options with robust build quality to withstand potential bumps and jolts.

Swimming

For avid swimmers, choosing waterproof hearing aids for swimming is essential. Look for devices with a high IP rating, preferably 68, which indicates complete protection against dust and prolonged immersion in water. Ensure your chosen model is specifically designed for swimming and adheres to the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding water exposure and depth limits. After swimming, promptly dry your hearing aids thoroughly using a dehumidifier or drying kit to maintain their functionality and longevity.

Team Sports

Effective communication is crucial in team sports. Opt for hearing aids with secure fittings and reliable retention, such as in-the-ear (ITE) models or BTE hearing aids with clips or headbands. Utilise hearing aid sweatbands to protect your devices from sweat and potential impacts during gameplay. Consider using accessories like T-coils for direct streaming of audio signals from compatible assistive listening devices, enhancing communication on the field.

Conclusion

With the right precautions and equipment, playing sports with hearing aids can be a safe and enjoyable experience. By choosing the appropriate hearing aids, utilising protective gear, and communicating effectively with your team, you can stay active and competitive while prioritising your hearing health. If you’re seeking hearing aids suitable for an active lifestyle, browse our selection at Listening Lab today.

About The Listening Lab

Listening Lab is a home-grown company whose mission is to help our clients restore their hearing to enjoy the life that they desire. Experiencing hearing loss can be detrimental to one’s quality of life. Hence we commit to providing high-quality hearing solutions.

Our hearing solutions include hearing tests and treatment and prescribing hearing aids. Clients may come to get their hearing checked, and we will assess whether hearing aids are required.

If hearing aids are required, clients can choose from a variety of the best hearing aid brands we provide. Each of the products offers unique features that complement daily use and perform well in helping our clients enjoy the life that they desire.

What Do Our Customers Say?

CatherineTangYap-Testimonial
Person in charge nice and helpful with warm smiling face. Should you have hearing problem, can seek for her advise.
Catherine Tang Yap
MrChing
Your service is marvellous! Patient and friendly. Mr Ching has been a customer of The Listening Lab since 2018. We have been attending to him for his follow up reviews and we are glad to see his progress!
Mr Ching
mr-mrs-Sriram
My husband purchased a Siemens Pure 7PX in 2016. We wish to appreciate Listening Lab for their ongoing attention and professional help they have been providing to us.
Mr & Mrs Sriram
madam Low
My mum has hearing loss for many years. Consultant of Listening Lab helped her fitted with Resound hearing aid. His patience and professionalism was greatly appreciated as the hearing aid enable her to hear and communicate with the people around her especially her grand children. We are happy with the services rendered by consultant. Keep up the good work!!
Madam Low
BryanRichmond-Testimonial
The Voice of two Generations in Singapore radio, Mr Brian Richmond, has chosen The Listening Lab to be his audiology and hearing services provider. We could not be prouder!

Brian is the definitive household name in English Radio since the early years of Singapore's founding, starting with Rediffusion followed by Radio One and now with Gold 90.5FM as well as Vintage Radio Singapore. His honeyed voice and selection of music filling our ears as we lived the bustle of our daily lives.

Soccer fans from the Malaysia Cup era of soccer will never forget his heart-pounding commentary from "live" matches, as we experienced the ups and downs of the Singapore Lions in the 1970s to 90s.

Our Executive Director Kelvin Lee is proudly beaming ear-to-ear in this photo with Brian. But you wont be able to see it through the masks!
Brian Richmond
JonathanPo-Testimonial
I started experiencing loss of hearing sometimes in 2010 (41 years old) owing to some medical issue. I was having difficulties hearing conservation especially in meeting. Thus, giving me the fear in attending meeting.

Initially I started with Phonak hearing aid. It helps amplified the sound and I could hear better then. Somehow, my hearing loss deteriorated further that in late 2012 (43 years old), there was profound loss of hearing on my right ear. Even digital hearing aid could not help. On my left ear there is still about 50% to 60% hearing with hearing aid. I was lost at this point of time. I was considering learning sign language. I went to see my ENT specialist and my audiologist Mr. Bala advised me to go for an CI as an alternative to my hearing loss.

I also thank God for Engineer and Scientist, giving them the knowledge to create such a complex and sophisticate device to help those with hearing loss like me. It will be all perfect if the cost is affordable too.
Jonathan Po
madam goh
I took my mum to Listening Lab at Simei to get her hearing aid fixed, during our first visit, she patiently explained the whole procedure to my mum and also explain to my mum why she really in need to fix the hearing aid. She is very knowledgeable, and friendly, and we are encouraged to ask questions. she is also very patient with old people which is the most importance. Also her after service is superb so I highly recommend.
Mdm Goh
MadamKek-Testimonial
My mum, Madam Kek (73 year old) had the Cochlear implant (CI) done on her left side in 10th September 2019. Thereafter, thanks to the subsequent auditory verbal therapy, evaluation from SGH ENT team, as well as, the support from AB's and Listening Lab staffs; Madam Kek was able to hear, comprehend sound and music from her Cochlear implant, Naida CI Q90, and hearing aid (HA), Naida Link UP, for her right side before end year. We are happy that both the CI and HA have improved mum qualify of life. Now Madam Kek is looking forward to work again to pass her time as she can hear and better communicate with others.
Madam Kek
TitusPang-Testimonial
Titus was implanted when he was 18 months old. He is a happy, talkative 6.5 years old now. AB has been with him for 5 wonderful hearing years and we are looking forward to a bright future that lies ahead for him. AB’s Naída CI sound processors are reliable and the technology is constantly evolving and upgrading. When Titus was introduced to Naida Link CROS, his life was enriched. The wireless network established between his Naida CI sound processor and a Naida Link CROS transmitter allows him to hear from both ears. This changes Titus’s life and the way we interact with him. We are also very pleased with the prompt response and service provided to us. The staff in AB genuinely cares! We want to thank AB for making Titus’s hearing journey an enjoyable and a relatively stress free one!
Titus Pang
mr tan
I have been living with progressive hearing loss for more than three decades. Socially, I find myself fearful of communicating with people and at home, watching 'soundless' television programs is a norm.

An unforgettable experience. Trying on a pair of Resound GN hearing aid, I was energized and revitalized and overwhelmed with emotional tears of joy. The Resound GN is truly remarkable and uniquely equipped with three-friendly-user environmental modes that provide hearing comfort wherever we are.

In particular, I like to extend my utmost gratitude to Hearing Consultant. With her profound compassion and wisdom in guiding me, I am confident that I can forge a formidable partnership with the Listening Lab; So that I can rebuild a new chapter of a happy and value-creative life and simultaneously, leaving behind the painful memories of the past three decades.
Mr Tan
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