Tips for exercising with hearing aids

Whether you’re hitting the gym, going for a run, or playing team sports, staying connected to your surroundings matters. Let's look at the benefits of wearing hearing aids while exercising, as well as helpful accessories to consider, and tips for care before and after your workout.

Should you wear hearing aids when exercising?

Yes. Though you might worry that exercise could harm your hearing aids, today's devices are more durable and resistant to dust and moisture than they used to be. With a little care and preparation, there’s no reason you can’t wear them during workouts and competition. 

Three benefits of wearing hearing aids while you workout

• Increased ability to communicate – If you play a team sport, it’s important to be able to communicate with the other players on the field or court. And, spending time at the gym can be as much a social event as it is a workout. Your hearing aids will make catching up with your gym buddies and/or listening to your fitness instructor easier despite the background noise.
• Enhanced personal safety – Even if you aren’t playing at a competitive level, wearing your hearing aids during a workout can help keep you safe. Runners and bikers who train outdoors are safer when they can hear cars driving by or the sirens from approaching medical or emergency vehicles. Golfers need to hear when another yells “fore” from across the course.
• Better sound quality - Few things get you through a grueling workout like your favorite music playing while you sweat. Many of today's hearing aids offer wireless functionality that helps you connect effortlessly via Bluetooth technology so you can stream music right through your hearing aids. 

The best hearing aid gear for your gym bag

One of the best ways to feel comfortable wearing your hearing aids during physical activity is to be prepared. Here’s a list of some of the gear to have on hand:

• Remote microphones – If it's important to hear your fitness instructor or you're in a large noisy class, you can ask them to wear a remote microphone that delivers sound directly to your hearing aids.
• Hearing aid sweatbands – If you perspire heavily and are worried about soaking your behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, you may want to keep a few hearing aid sweatbands in your gym bag. These absorbent sleeves fit over your hearing aid to protect it from sweat and grime, are available in a variety of colors and are sized to fit your particular hearing aid. They are a relatively inexpensive way to protect your hearing aid investment and range in price depending on the size and manufacturer. 
• Hearing aid clip – Depending on your hearing aid type, a hearing aid clip helps prevent the loss of a hearing aid should it accidentally become dislodged from your ear. Most clips feature a lightweight lanyard which attaches to the hearing instrument on one end and clips to your clothing on the other. If unavailable from your hearing healthcare professional, these accessories can be purchased online in a wide variety of styles and colors, ranging in price from $8 - $12. 
• Puffer – A hearing aid puffer blows small amounts of air through the hearing aid or its tubing and moldings to keep them clean and free from obstruction. And, since droplets of sweat from the ears can sometimes make their way into tubing and earmolds, a puffer is a useful tool for drying them out in the locker room or at home. This inexpensive tool is available at local drugstores for $3-$5.
• Antimicrobial products - Disinfectant wipes made especially for hearing aids are easy to carry in your gym bag and convenient for cleaning your hearing aids away from home. Be sure to consult with your hearing healthcare professional on the best way to keep your particular model clean and sanitized. If your hearing center doesn’t carry disinfectant wipes, check online. Prices range from $7-$20.

Post-workout care

Hearing aids will last longer and work more effectively if you give them the same kind of post-workout care you give the rest of your sporting gear.

Should you clean your hearing aids after exercise?

Yes. While you usually don't need to do a full clean after a workout, you do want to wipe down your hearing aids with a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess moisture, especially if you really worked up a sweat. 

Additionally, develop the following routine in order to give the best care to your hearing devices:

• Clean and inspect your hearing aids daily. Remove the earwax and debris carefully with a wax pick. Force moisture from the tubing with a puffer and dry overnight. If your hearing center didn’t provide you with a cleaning kit when you purchased your devices, you can order one online; prices range from $14-$40.
• Invest in a hearing aid dehumidifier. These inexpensive devices remove moisture and sanitize hearing aids and cochlear implants and are a safe place to store them while you sleep. Online prices range from $5-$80.

Protecting your hearing during workouts

Gyms are notorious for cranking up the music, but loud gyms can cause hearing loss and tinnitus.

For example, a 2021 study found that music volumes in spinning classes reached levels between 93-101 dB. Any noise level over 85 dB can damage your ears and have the potential to lead to permanent hearing loss.

To keep your hearing safe at the gym, you may need to take some or all of the following steps:

• Wear hearing protection during loud classes
• Choose quieter spots away from speakers
• Ask your gym instructor or gym manager to lower the music volume
• Ask your hearing provider about personalized hearing aid settings for the gym

Make the most of your hearing aids when active

If you have specific questions about wearing your hearing aids during your favorite sports or hobbies, your hearing care professional can help. They will also show you the best way to keep your hearing aids in top shape, no matter what activities you enjoy.