There are more benefits to hiking than just breathing the fresh air and soaking up some sunshine. One 2018 study published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine reports that, “Benefits may be immediate, such as decreased blood pressure, decreased stress levels, enhanced immune system functioning, and restored attention, or transpire over time, such as weight loss, decreased depression, and overall wellness.”
While hearing aids wearers can enjoy all the same benefits as their friends who don’t wear devices, they may need to do some extra preparation. We review some tips below.
Protect Your Devices from Humidity
When hiking, humidity can affect your devices if it’s raining or if you’re sweating.
For rain, you can protect your devices by wearing a waterproof jacket with the hood up and cinched, or wearing a rain hat that covers your ears.
When it comes to sweat, you can purchase a sweat-protective sleeve that your hearing aids can slide into. If you’re a heavy sweater, consider investing in a hearing aid model that has minimal contact with your skin and hair next time you upgrade.
You can also purchase a dehumidifier to store your devices in at night to remove any excess moisture.
Protect Your Devices from Heat
You’ll want to protect your hearing aids from heat and direct sun exposure when hiking by choosing a shady trail or wearing a sun hat.
Protect Your Devices from Loss
Nobody wants to lose their hearing aids anywhere, but losing them on Batteries to Bluffs Trail is much worse than losing them in your home. Not only can it be impossible to find them if they fall into some brush, but they can be stepped on if they fall somewhere in open view. You can buy hearing aid lanyards that clip to your clothes, so if they fall out they’re still attached to you.
Programming Your Devices for the Trail
Many modern hearing aids offer a variety of programs that will help you hear better in various situations, including the trail. Turning up the microphone and turning down noise reduction tends to work well for people when hiking. You can talk to your audiologist about creating a program that will serve you well.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call San Francisco Audiology today.