Major technological advancements in hearing aid design have all but eliminated the social stigma of wearing a hearing aid. Hearing aids are discreet in design and offer a number of wireless features and digital program options that accommodate active lifestyles. With so many outdoor activities available to us in the Las Vegas area, we’ve put together a guide for the best hearing aids for active people.
In compiling this list, we considered the different factors that may affect hearing aid performance in each category of physical activity: water, dust, wind, and longevity. Most hearing aids will be rated on the Ingress Protection Rating scale (IP), which measures the level of protection devices have against solids and liquids. The first digit in an IP number represents protection from solids (0-6, 6 being the most protected), while the latter represents liquid (0-8, 8 being the most protected). Overall, the best hearing aid option for active lifestyles is the Siemens Aquaris. The following list is broken out by category.
The absolute best hearing aids for those who live to move.
Swimmers
Until recently, swimmers had to remove their hearing aids before entering the pool. Siemens changed the game with the Aquaris waterproof hearing aid, a completely waterproof, dustproof and shock resistant behind-the-ear hearing aid. The Aquaris is the first hearing aid of its kind, scoring an IP68 by offering full protection from debris and liquids and remaining fully functional after being completely submerged in water. The Aquaris maintains the same Siemens quality in hearing treatment while improving on the structure.
Runners/Walkers/Hikers
Perhaps the greatest issues facing runners, walkers, and hikers is the issue of shock sustained by the hearing aid with each footfall and readjusting sound programs while on the move. Again, the Aquaris is a great choice, as a shock resistant hearing aid. The Gore-tech encasement protects the hearing aid from debris as well as sweat. The Aquaris is also conducive for runs and walks in the rain. Most hearing aid manufacturers that offer wireless hearing instruments include a geotagging feature, which archives your sound preferences in different locations. This feature will prove beneficial for people on the move, as their listening experience will become seamless. Oticon’s BrainHearing technology, available in all models of their hearing aids, offers geotagging options, as well as Starkey’s Made for iPhone hearing aids which connect wirelessly your phone, allowing you stream music directly for your run.
Cyclists
Cyclist may find the rush of wind, while moving at a high speed, distracting to their hearing. Many hearing aid manufacturers offer wind noise management in their hearing aid models. Widex’s hearing aid model Super is designed to be weather resistant and offers a patented wind screen protection. Phonak’s Speech in Wind option minimalizes wind noise on your hearing, also allowing for conversation if you ride with a team of people. As with the models listed above, cyclists may benefit from geotagging options if they often take the same route, as Oticon, Signia, Phonak and Starkey all offer the ease of programming by memorizing your preferences based on location and adjusting your hearing aid levels accordingly as you move through space.
Canoeing/Kayaking
Along with the Siemens Aquaris which offers waterproof protection for canoers and kayakers, other useful features may be found in the Widex Super’s windscreen protection and Phonak’s Speech in Wind feature across all models. All Phonak models also come with the customizable option of a removable microphone windscreen. These wind noise resistance features are especially useful among rushing rapids, especially if you are attempting to communicate with your exercise partners. Avid canoers and kayakers may also benefit from geotagging options, as well as a long-lasting battery life.
Camping
You never know what can happen when you’re camping, but being caught off guard with a dying battery may ruin the vibe. If you plan on being out in the great outdoors for a long period of time, you will want a hearing aid that simultaneously protects you from the elements and also has a rechargeable option, whether it is a rechargeable battery or the aid itself is rechargeable. Again, the Widex Super is an excellent option for weather resistant, outdoor use. Though they require battery changes, the Siemens Aquaris is perhaps the strongest contender, with a long battery life and all-around protection from both water and dirt and other debris.