With spring and summer right around the corner, you might be antsy to get back to your favorite sports and outdoor activities. Whether biking, running or hiking around the Barton Creek Greenbelt, warm weather brings you the opportunity to get back to the outdoor things you love. If you’re a prospective hearing aid user, it’s important to take your active lifestyle into consideration when choosing your new device.
Let’s take a look at the different device features that can accommodate your favorite outdoor adventures.
Bluetooth® Connection
Most modern hearing aids have Bluetooth. Bluetooth enables you to connect your hearing aids to your phone, tablet, smart TV and more. You can use Bluetooth to watch an instructional video while enjoying yoga at the park or listen to music or podcasts during your runs.
Water Resistance or Waterproofing
Exercise can bring a lot of moisture to your devices. From sweat to splashing water near a riverside run, your devices are at high risk for water damage. Looking for water-resistant or waterproof hearing aids can ease your water damage worries.
Most of your electronic devices (phones, headphones, hearing aids, etc.) have an Ingress Protection (IP) rating. The IP rating defines the device’s resistance to the intrusion of dust or liquids. For example, a rating of IP 68 is dust-proof and protected against continuous immersion in water. In contrast, a rating of IP 11 protects against solid foreign objects of 50 mm or greater and light, vertical-falling raindrops.
Different hearing aids have different waterproofing ratings. When hearing aids are labeled as water-resistant, it usually means that their coating protects against accidental splashes. Hearing aids labeled as waterproof may withstand submersion in water for a period. Check your device’s IP rating and talk to your hearing aid specialist if you’re unsure which label applies.
Battery Life
When going out for an all-day adventure, you want your device battery to last the whole time. If you’re looking at rechargeable hearing aids, aim for devices that can last at least 12 hours, preferably longer. If you’re considering hearing aids with disposable batteries, the batteries will usually last between three and seven days.
Fit
The right hearing aid for you depends on your needs and preferences. If you have mild hearing loss and prefer a discreet option, a nearly or completely invisible in-the-canal device may be ideal. A behind-the-ear device might offer better support if you have severe to profound hearing loss and want longer battery life or more features. Regardless of your choice, your hearing specialist will ensure a secure fit to prevent shifting.
Hearing aids can help you enjoy every outdoor adventure with better clarity. Contact River ENT to review your options with one of our specialists.
