Hearing Aids and Exercise: Staying Active with Better Hearing

Maintaining an active lifestyle is essential for overall health and wellbeing, and wearing hearing aids should never be a barrier to achieving your fitness goals. Whether you are a dedicated runner, a regular gym-goer, an avid cyclist, or someone who enjoys a brisk daily walk, integrating your hearing technology with your exercise routine is entirely possible with the right knowledge and preparation. At Buckinghamshire Hearing, a private audiology clinic in High Wycombe, we frequently consult with active patients who are concerned about the impact of sweat, moisture, and vigorous movement on their devices. This comprehensive guide provides clinical advice on how to protect your hearing aids during exercise, ensuring they remain secure and functional while you stay active.

The primary concern for any electronic device during exercise is moisture, and hearing aids are no exception. Sweat contains salts and minerals that can be highly corrosive to the delicate internal components of a hearing aid, such as the microphone, receiver, and microchip. While modern hearing aids are remarkably resilient, prolonged or excessive exposure to moisture without proper care can lead to distorted sound quality, intermittent functioning, or complete device failure.

It is crucial to understand that while many contemporary devices are highly water-resistant, they are rarely entirely waterproof. This distinction is vital when planning your exercise regimen. The level of protection your specific device offers is denoted by its IP (Ingress Protection) rating, a recognised international standard that classifies the degree of protection provided against the intrusion of solid objects (like dust) and liquids (like water).

Decoding IP Ratings

An IP rating consists of two numbers. The first number (from 0 to 6) indicates the level of protection against solid particles, while the second number (from 0 to 8) indicates the level of protection against liquids. For example, an IP68 rating—which is common among premium modern hearing aids—means the device is highly protected against dust (6) and can withstand continuous immersion in water under specific conditions defined by the manufacturer (8).

A frequent observation at our High Wycombe clinic is that patients often overestimate the 'waterproof' nature of their devices. While an IP68 rating offers robust protection against sweat during a strenuous gym session, it does not mean the hearing aids should be worn while swimming or showering. Consistent, proactive moisture management is always the best approach.

The style of your hearing aid plays a significant role in how secure and comfortable it feels during physical activity. If you lead a highly active lifestyle, discussing this during your initial consultation is paramount, as it will influence the types and styles of hearing aids we recommend.

• Receiver-in-Canal (RIC): These are often the most popular choice for active individuals. They are lightweight, discreet, and sit securely behind the ear. The separation of the microphone (behind the ear) and the receiver (in the ear canal) can also help reduce wind noise during outdoor activities.
• Behind-the-Ear (BTE): BTE models are generally larger and very robust. They are often recommended for severe hearing loss and can be fitted with custom earmoulds, which provide an exceptionally secure fit, making them ideal for vigorous sports.
• In-the-Ear (ITE) and Completely-in-Canal (CIC): While these custom-made devices fit snugly within the ear, they can sometimes be more susceptible to moisture damage as all components are housed within the ear canal, where sweat can accumulate. They may also cause an 'occlusion effect' (a booming sensation of your own voice or footsteps) during exercise.

Regardless of the style, ensuring a perfect physical fit is essential. If your hearing aids feel loose or if you are constantly adjusting them during a workout, we strongly advise scheduling an appointment for an adjustment. A well-fitted device should remain secure even during high-impact activities.

Different activities present unique challenges for hearing aid users. Here is a breakdown of considerations for popular forms of exercise:

The Gym and Indoor Fitness

Gym environments are generally safe for hearing aids, provided you manage sweat effectively. The primary risk is dropping the devices on hard surfaces or losing them if they become dislodged. If you participate in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or classes involving rapid head movements, consider using retention accessories. Furthermore, many fitness classes play music at dangerously high volumes. If you find the music uncomfortably loud, it is advisable to remove your hearing aids and use appropriate hearing protection instead, to prevent noise-induced damage.

Running and Cycling

Outdoor activities like running and cycling introduce the challenge of wind noise, which can be frustrating and mask important environmental sounds like approaching vehicles. Many modern hearing aids feature advanced wind noise reduction algorithms. However, physical barriers can also help. Wearing a thin, moisture-wicking headband over the ears can secure the devices, absorb sweat, and significantly reduce wind turbulence across the microphones. For cyclists, ensure your helmet straps do not rub against or dislodge the hearing aids.

Swimming and Water Sports

This is a critical point: standard hearing aids must be removed before swimming, diving, or participating in any water sports where the head is submerged. Even devices with an IP68 rating are not designed to withstand the dynamic pressure of swimming strokes or the chemicals found in swimming pools (like chlorine) and the salt in seawater, which are highly corrosive. If you are a dedicated swimmer, we can discuss specialised, custom-made swim plugs to protect your ears from water ingress and infection, though these do not provide amplification.

For added peace of mind during vigorous exercise, several retention accessories are available to ensure your hearing aids stay firmly in place:

• Sport Locks (Retention Tails): These are small, flexible plastic strips attached to the receiver wire of a RIC hearing aid. They curl into the bowl of the ear (the concha), providing a subtle but effective anchor that prevents the device from backing out of the ear canal.
• Hearing Aid Sweatbands: These are specially designed, acoustically transparent sleeves that slip over BTE or RIC hearing aids. They absorb sweat, protect against dust, and can help reduce wind noise, all without significantly impacting sound quality.
• Clips and Lanyards: These accessories attach to the hearing aids and clip onto your clothing. While they won't prevent the devices from falling out of your ears, they ensure that if they do become dislodged, they will not fall to the ground and be lost or damaged.
• Moisture-Wicking Headbands: A simple sports headband worn over the ears is an excellent, cost-effective way to secure the devices and absorb perspiration before it reaches the hearing aids.

The most critical aspect of exercising with hearing aids is the care you provide immediately afterwards. Implementing a strict post-exercise routine will significantly extend the lifespan of your devices and prevent moisture-related breakdowns. This routine is an essential part of your overall trial and aftercare commitment.

Firstly, as soon as you finish your workout, remove your hearing aids and wipe them down thoroughly with a clean, dry, microfibre cloth. Pay particular attention to the battery compartment (if applicable) and the area where the receiver wire connects to the main body of the device. Never use water, alcohol wipes, or household cleaning products, as these can damage the protective coatings.

Secondly, utilise a dedicated drying system. While leaving the battery doors open overnight is a good standard practice, active individuals should invest in an electronic drying box (often called a dry caddy or dehumidifier). These devices use gentle heat and UV light to actively draw out moisture and sanitise the hearing aids. Placing your devices in a drying box every night, especially after a workout, is the single most effective way to prevent moisture damage. Furthermore, ensure you are regularly inspecting and replacing your wax guards, as sweat can cause earwax to migrate more quickly into the receiver. For more detailed maintenance advice, please refer to our guide on cleaning your hearing aids.