Playing Sports When You Have Hearing Loss

At Kenwood Hearing Center we have had many patients, young and old, who played sports. From football, basketball, hockey and ice skating to karate, golf and tennis...we have seen it all.

If you or a loved one has a hearing loss and want to play sports, please tell us.  The type of hearing aid you should use depends not only on your hearing loss but on the amount of physical activity you exert. today's technology allows for a lot of power in a small hearing aid, but sometimes smaller isn't better for some sports. While hearing aids that fit in the ear are more protected from moisture and wind, the ones that fit behind the ear can be attached to clothing so you don't lose them.

There is protective gear available for your hearing aids as well. If you perspire while playing your sport, invest in an electronic hearing aid dryer. they dry the excess moisture in the hearing aids during a 6 hour cycle while you sleep. You can also use sweat bands to keep moisture away from the hearing aids. To keep from losing aids during strenuous activity, there are cords designed to attach your hearing aids to your clothing.

Let teammates and coaches know you wear hearing aids. And if you aren't going to be wearing them, let your teammates and officials know, so they can alert you to whistles and warnings.

Questions about hearing aids and sports? Call one of our audiologists. We will do our best to keep you competitive.

You can also read a quick story HERE about a female college basketball player, turned WNBA star and 3-time Olympic gold medalist, with hearing loss.