We have no problem putting our glasses on when we get up in the morning, or using safety glasses when they are needed at work or for our hobbies. Yet, people are still reluctant to take care of their ears and wear hearing aids if needed. Recent statistics still show Americans wait between five and seven years before addressing hearing concerns. Can you imagine walking around for seven years with blurred vision?
One reason people seem to shy away from hearing aids is that they think they will inhibit their lifestyles. That couldn’t be farther from the truth, and at Ear-Tronics, we are well versed in the new technology surrounding hearing aids that will help you embrace an active lifestyle and correct your hearing.
Hearing Loss Shouldn’t Stop You
An Idaho man was recently featured in a news story because he owned his own aviation company and he was very successful at what he does. He teaches, he managed an airport – and he wears a hearing aid. He lost his hearing in an accident that damaged the tiny hair cells in one ear that process sound to the brain. But that didn’t stop him, and it shouldn’t stop you. He says putting in his hearing aids is like wearing glasses.
What to Look for in Hearing Devices
What’s your sport? Is it playing tennis, golfing – running outdoors or indoors – perhaps sailing or swimming? Maybe it’s a satisfying workout at the gym. Proper hearing helps you participate better in sports and enjoy life, even if that is streaming your music while running or working out.
The thing that all those activities we listed have in common is, sweat and movement. You can get hearing aids with a high waterproof rating. Hearing aids with a rating of IP 68 can be submerged under water for 30 minutes. But beware – water resistant is not the same as water proof, so they shouldn’t be used for swimming. Still, this is exciting news for people who lead active lifestyles.
You can get accessories – and the staff at Ear-Tronics can help you find them – like waterproof bands you can wear around your wrist so you can slip your hearing aids in while you are in the water. Then, they are available right away when you get out.
Battery Facts
While hearing aids may leave the factory as waterproof, those with batteries versus the self-charging can lose their integrity over time. As you open and close the door of the hearing aid where the batteries are located, the seal will start to give slightly, and waterproof may just become water resistant. Look at hearing aids that can be put on a charger versus those that need batteries if you are an avid swimmer or water sports enthusiast. There are hearing aid manufacturers that warranty their battery-powered hearing aids as waterproof and that stay waterproof. They are available in behind the ear as well as in the ear models.
Wind, Dust and Sweat
Let’s talk about the great outdoors. If you work construction, do landscaping, run and exercise outside and enjoy camping, hiking and fishing – you also should look at hearing devices with the IP68 rating. Rain, dust, wind can all interfere with the workings of hearing aids if they don’t have a tight seal.
Wind, on the other hand, is a different issue and requires another type of hearing aid. If you are the outdoorsy type and that would include skydiving, rock climbing or hiking, there are models available with noise management. Most of the newer hearing aid models have noise reduction options.
Hearing aids that use GPS along with your phone can actually “remember” if you’ve been in an area and had to adjust your hearing aids when you return to that area. This is useful for cyclists or runners that take the same route. If you have wind difficulty running or biking over a bridge, your hearing aid will remember and adjust and then adjust back.
Need Your Tunes?
If you require that musical boost when you run or work out, there are options for you. While wireless hearing aids offer great hearing sound quality for conversation, phone calls and everyday use – they are also awesome for leisure activities. You can stream your music from your phone right to your hearing aids. No ear buds or cords!
Live an Active Lifestyle with Ear-Tronics
Living with hearing loss doesn’t mean you can’t do what you want! With help from the professional team at Ear-Tronics, we can help you find solutions that will fit into your active lifestyle and help you navigate to a model that is just right for you.